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Barbourisia rufa Parr, 1945
Velvet Whalefish
Family: Barbourisiidae
Introduction to the Fish

Photograph

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Map

Source: Distribution of Barbourisia rufa as compiled by Aquamaps

Species Information

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 19 - 22; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 15 - 18. Mouth large, maxillary extending far beyond eye (Ref. 559) Lower jaw projecting beyond the upper (Ref. 559). Teeth on both jaws broad villiform bands (Ref. 559). Body and each fin with minute spinules, the surface velvety to the touch. Lateral line opening as distinct pores (Ref. 559).

Source: FishBase. Paxton, J.R. and D.J Blake. 1990 . (Ref. 4500).

Biology

Species Biology

Juveniles mesopelagic, adults benthopelagic. Presumably feed on crustaceans. bathydemersal; marine; depth range 120 - 2000 m (Ref. 50610). Deep water.

Source: FishBase. Paxton, J.R. and D.J Blake. 1990 . (Ref. 4500).

Distribution

Distribution

Throughout the world ocean in tropical and temperate latitudes (Ref. 9842). Eastern Atlantic: one specimen from off Cape Bojador south of the Canary Islands; unrecorded specimens taken between Guinea and Angola. Western Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951) to the Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 29076). Western Indian Ocean: off Madagascar. Eastern Pacific: one specimen captured off northern central California, USA (Ref. 2850). Western Pacific: Japan to New Caledonia, Australia (Ref. 7300) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755).

Source: FishBase. Paxton, J.R. and D.J Blake. 1990 . (Ref. 4500).

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)		COSEWIC
NativeSNRNo StatusNot Listed



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Additional Range and Status Information Links

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 University of Alaska Museum

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