Skip to content

Javelin Whiptail Coelorinchus gaesorhynchus Iwamoto & Williams, 1999
[CAAB 37 232107]

Distribution Map see an interactive map here (new window)

Distribution, ecology and habitat:

Endemic Australian species; demersal on continental slope to 290 m.

Size:

To 25 cm TL.

Food and feeding:

Reproduction and early life history:

Characteristics:

D II, 9; P 14-15; V 7; GR (inner) 8; BR 6; PC
Snout about half the length of head, anterolateral margins incompletely supported by bone; mouth relatively small, jae teeth small, in moderately-wide tapered bands; upper jaw short, extending to below posterior one-third of orbit; chin barbel short, fine. Gill openings relatively wide, extending forward ventrally almost to hind end of orbits, membranes narrowly attached to isthmus. Underside of head naked (except scales overlapping onto anteroventral snout surface), including nasal fossa. Body scales thin, with short spinules in somewhat quincunx pattern. Light organ present, extending from isthmus to anus.

Colour:

No bold body markings in adults; first dorsal fin, anal and pectoral fins dusky; dorsal fin base with blackish edges, medial surfaces of pectoral fin bases black; pelvic fins densely covered with large melanophores; median nasal process blackish, mouth pale with blackish lips and premaxillary process.

Similar species:

Fisheries:

Conservation Status:

Remarks:

Other common names:

Original citation:

Coelorinchus gaesorhynchus Iwamoto & Williams 1999, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 136, fig.10, north-west of North West Cape, Western Australia, 290 m.

Etymology:

References:

Iwamoto, T. & Williams, A. 1999. Grenadiers (Pisces, Gadiformes) from the continental slope of western and northwestern Australia. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 105-243, figs. 1-58.