Taper-tail ribbonfish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Taper-tail ribbonfish
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Lampriformes
Family:	Trachipteridae
Genus:	Zu
Species:	Z. elongatus
Binomial name
Zu elongatus Heemstra & Kannemeyer, 1984
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The Zu elongatus, also known as the taper-tail ribbonfish, is a unique type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to the Trachipteridae family. This fish is known for its long, ribbon-like body. It lives deep in the ocean. Other common names for this fish include "scalloped dealfish." In Afrikaans, it is called spitsstert-lintvis.

All About the Taper-Tail Ribbonfish

The taper-tail ribbonfish can grow quite long. It reaches lengths of up to 120 centimeters (about 4 feet!). It has a shiny silver-grey color. You might notice dark bars running along its sides. Adult fish have bright red pelvic fins. Its long dorsal fin has many soft rays, but no sharp spines. It has 142 to 147 soft rays.

Where it Lives

This fish is a bit mysterious! We don't know exactly how many there are. Scientists think they live in warm and mild waters all over the world. So far, they have mostly been found in the Atlantic Ocean. This includes off the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. They have also been seen in the Pacific Ocean near New Zealand.

The taper-tail ribbonfish lives in the mesopelagic zone. This is a deep part of the ocean. It can be found up to 1200 meters (about 4,000 feet) below the surface.

What it Eats

The taper-tail ribbonfish is a carnivore. Its diet includes crustaceans, which are small sea creatures like shrimp. It also eats small fish and squid.

Young Fish

Young taper-tail ribbonfish are called juveniles. They live closer to the surface in the epipelagic zone. Their dorsal and pelvic fins are very long and trail behind them. These long fins help them look like siphonophores or jellyfish. This clever disguise helps protect them from predators. The eggs of the Zu elongatus are large and float freely in the water. They have a bright red color.

Protecting the Taper-Tail Ribbonfish

The IUCN Red List has classified the Zu elongatus as a 'Least concern' species. This means that even though we don't know a lot about its population, there are no big threats to this fish right now. Scientists continue to study and monitor ocean life to ensure its safety.