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Black driftfish (Hyperoglyphe bythites) — Centrolophidae

Black driftfish

Hyperoglyphe bythites
LC · Least Concern

The Black driftfish (Hyperoglyphe bythites) is a saltwater fish of the family Centrolophidae that grows up to 60 cm.

Length
60 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–403.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic, deep pelagic.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The black driftfish is an oceanic fish of the family Centrolophidae from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 60 cm and has a stocky, dark to blackish body. Adults live deep pelagically, to about 400 m deep. Juveniles often stay under floating objects and jellyfishes, which provide them shelter. The diet consists of fishes, squid, jellyfishes and crustaceans. Reproduction is by pelagic eggs. Owing to its wandering, oceanic habits the species is not often seen.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black driftfish?

The Black driftfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Juveniles shelter under drifting objects and jellyfish; oceanic wanderer.

Where does the Black driftfish live?

The Black driftfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Western Atlantic, deep pelagic.

How big does the Black driftfish get?

The Black driftfish grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.

Is the Black driftfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Black driftfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black driftfish edible?

The Black driftfish is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Black driftfish verified
Scientific name
Hyperoglyphe bythites
Family
Centrolophidae
Other names
Black driftfish; Driftfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
60.0 verified
Average length (cm)
35.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
403.0 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic, deep pelagic. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Fishes, squid, jellyfish and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Juveniles shelter under drifting objects and jellyfish; oceanic wanderer. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Hyperoglyphe

More from the family Centrolophidae

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