Smallspine spookfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smallspine spookfish |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Harriotta
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| Species: |
haeckeli
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The smallspine spookfish (Harriotta haeckeli) is a type of fish. It lives in the deep, open ocean. This fish belongs to a family called Rhinochimaeridae. It is found in different parts of the world.
Contents
About the Smallspine Spookfish
The smallspine spookfish is a small fish. It is usually pale brown. Its underside, or belly, is a bit darker.
Where It Lives
This fish lives in very deep water. It is usually found deeper than 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet). That's deeper than many tall buildings!
You can find the smallspine spookfish in many places around the world. These include the waters near western Greenland and the Canary Islands. It also lives off northeastern North America and Namibia. You might also find it in the southeastern Indian Ocean, near Tasmania, and southwestern New Zealand.
Naming the Fish
Scientists gave the smallspine spookfish its official name, Harriotta haeckeli. A scientist named Christine Karrer first described this fish in 1972.
The fish was named after a research ship. This ship was called the Ernst Haeckel. The ship helped collect the first samples of this fish. The ship itself was named after a famous zoologist, Ernst Haeckel. He was a scientist who studied animals and plants.
Protecting the Smallspine Spookfish
The smallspine spookfish faces some threats. One threat is when its habitat (where it lives) is damaged.
However, different groups have looked at its safety. In New Zealand, the Department of Conservation said the fish is "Not Threatened." This was in June 2018.
The IUCN also studies how safe different species are. They have listed the smallspine spookfish as a "Least Concern" species. This means they believe it is not in immediate danger of disappearing.
See also
In Spanish: Harriotta haeckeli para niños
