Pacific Hatchet Fish
Argyropelecus affinis
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 1–3872 m
- Max size: 8.4 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Flattened side to side like a hatchet blade, this silver deep sea fish points rows of downward glowing organs into the dark to erase its own shadow from below. It lives in the mid water around three hundred to six hundred metres, making short daily rises, and feeds on copepods, krill and other small drifters.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Stomiiformes › Sternoptychidae › Argyropelecus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 127307.
FAQ
- How deep does the Pacific Hatchet Fish live?
- The Pacific Hatchet Fish (Argyropelecus affinis) is typically found at 1–3872 m.
- Is the Pacific Hatchet Fish dangerous to divers?
- The Pacific Hatchet Fish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Pacific Hatchet Fish get?
- The Pacific Hatchet Fish grows to about 8.4 cm.