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Deepsea batfish (Coelophrys arca) — Ogcocephalidae

Deepsea batfish

Coelophrys arca

The Deepsea batfish (Coelophrys arca) is a saltwater fish of the family Ogcocephalidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–423.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The deepsea batfish is a small batfish (Ogcocephalidae) of the deep ocean floor in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has an inflated, nearly globular body and arm-like pectoral fins on which it 'walks' over the soft bottom. With a small lure beneath the snout it attracts small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deepsea batfish?

The Deepsea batfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Deepsea batfish live?

The Deepsea batfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Deepsea batfish get?

The Deepsea batfish grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Deepsea batfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Deepsea batfish is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Diepzee-vleermuisvis sourced
English name
Deepsea batfish sourced
Scientific name
Coelophrys arca
Family
Ogcocephalidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.1 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
423.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Coelophrys

More from the family Ogcocephalidae

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