Biology:Zu cristatus

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Short description: Species of fish

Zu cristatus
Adult
Juvenile
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Lampriformes
Family: Trachipteridae
Genus: Zu
Species:
Z. cristatus
Binomial name
Zu cristatus
(Bonelli, 1819)

Zu cristatus, the scalloped ribbonfish, is a ribbonfish of the family Trachipteridae found circumglobally in all oceans at tropical latitudes, at depths down to 90 m. Its length is up to 118 cm, and the weight is around 4000 g. The scalloped ribbonfish is most often found in parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Juvenile specimen sightings are more commonly observed than their adult counterparts, as they favor shallower depths.[2] An adult specimen of Z. cristatus was captured at a depth of 720 m off the cost of Italy.[3] They are reported to eat squid, fish, and crustaceans.

In the past, the binomial name Trachypterus iris was misapplied to this fish.[4][5]

Identification

Juveniles Z. cristatus under 70 cm in length have a silvery body with dark blotches, a scalloped belly margin and bulb-like structures on the long dorsal and pelvic fins[6].

File:California fish and game (20513610125).jpg
Juvenile (top), adult (bottom)
Illustration of a scalloped ribbonfish.

References

Wikidata ☰ Q144131 entry