Stout beardfish
The Stout beardfish, scientifically known as *Polymixia nobilis*, is one of ten species within the beardfish family, Polymixiidae. This fish is primarily found in the Atlantic Ocean, residing at significant depths between 500 and 1,200 feet (150 to 365 meters). Typically growing to about 19 inches (48 centimeters) long, stout beardfish are characterized by their thick, round bodies that can range in color from greenish to reddish brown. A notable feature of these fish is the pair of long barbels, or whiskers, located at the corners of their mouths, which may have contributed to their name. They possess a long dorsal fin that extends along their back, assisting with balance in the water, while their propulsion is achieved through the side-to-side movement of their tail fins.
As carnivorous creatures, stout beardfish primarily feed on other marine life, including bony fish, octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish. Although their reproductive habits are not well-documented, they are known to lay eggs. In terms of lifespan, stout beardfish typically live between 1.5 to 4.5 years, and they are currently not considered a threatened species. Overall, understanding the stout beardfish provides insight into the diverse ecological roles these lesser-known marine creatures play.
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Stout beardfish
Stout beardfish are one of the ten species of beardfish. Very little is known about their habits and characteristics. They are found in the Atlantic Ocean.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Polymixiiformes
Family: Polymixiidae
Genus: Polymixia
Species: Nobilis
Stout beardfish grow to be about 19 inches (48 centimeters) long. Their bodies are thick and round and range in color from greenish to reddish brown. Like some catfish, stout beardfish have a pair of long barbels, or whiskers, hanging from the corners of their mouths. These barbels may be where stout beardfish get their unusual name. Like other beardfish, stout beardfish each have a long dorsal fin which runs along the length of its back. These dorsal fins work together with these fish's anal fins to keep these fish balanced in the water. Stout beardfish are propelled through the water by the constant side-to-side motion of their caudal, or tail, fins.
Like most other fish, stout beardfish cannot breathe air. Instead, they receive the oxygen they need from water which they take into their mouths and process through the gills on the sides of their bodies. Stout beardfish keep the oxygen they need and release they waste chemicals back into the water through their gills.
Stout beardfish are bottom-dwelling creatures. They inhabit parts of the Atlantic Ocean. Generally, stout beardfish are found at depths of between 500 and 1,200 feet (150 and 365 meters).
Stout beardfish are carnivorous, or meat-eating fish. They feed on bony fish, octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish.
Little is known about the reproductive habits of the stout beardfish. However, they are an egg-laying species.
Larger fish and aquatic creatures may prey on the stout beardfish. The life span of stout beardfish is 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 years. They are not a threatened species.
Bibliography
Duarte, Cambraia. “Polymixia Nobilis, Stout Beardfish: Fisheries.” FishBase, fishbase.mnhn.fr/summary/Polymixia-nobilis. Accessed 3 May 2024.
Eric, Ralls. “Stout Beardfish.” Earth.com, 2024, www.earth.com/image/stout-beardfish. Accessed 3 May 2024.