Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown driftfish (Ariomma melanum) is a saltwater fish of the family Ariommatidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The brown driftfish is a dark, oval deep-water fish of the family Ariommatidae (driftfishes) reaching about 22 cm. The sturdy, brown to grey-brown body has large eyes and a short, blunt snout; young fish live higher in open water, often near drifting material or jellyfish, while adults stay closer to the bottom. The species swims in schools above soft bottoms of the deeper continental slope of the Atlantic. It feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans and gelatinous plankton. Because of its deep lifestyle and small size it has little fishery value and is only rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown driftfish?
The Brown driftfish is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Dark, oval deep-water fish with large eyes; swims in shoals above the bottom of the deeper continental slope.
Where does the Brown driftfish live?
The Brown driftfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Atlantic Ocean, over soft bottoms of the deeper continental slope.
How big does the Brown driftfish get?
The Brown driftfish grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Brown driftfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Brown driftfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Brown driftfish edible?
The Brown driftfish is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ariomma
More from the family Ariommatidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown driftfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown driftfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.