Barreleye
Macropinna microstoma
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 16–1267 m
- Max size: 15 cm
- For divers: safe
The barreleye carries tubular, upward pointing eyes inside a transparent, fluid filled dome over its head, letting it spot the silhouettes of prey drifting above in the dark. It lives in the dim mesopelagic zone beneath temperate and subarctic seas, where it picks at jellyfish and other gelatinous animals, sometimes stealing food caught in their stinging tentacles.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Argentiniformes › Opisthoproctidae › Macropinna
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 281482.
FAQ
- How deep does the Barreleye live?
- The Barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) is typically found at 16–1267 m.
- Is the Barreleye dangerous to divers?
- The Barreleye is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Barreleye get?
- The Barreleye grows to about 15 cm.