Thaumatichthys axeli
Encyclopedia
Thaumatichthys axeli is a bottom-dwelling deep-sea anglerfish
of the family Thaumatichthys
. Thaumatichthys axeli lives at a depth of around 3,600 meters (in the abyssal zone
), deeper than any other member of the family Thaumatichthys. As with other members of the family, they possess a distinctive forked light organ
inside their mouth, which they use to lure prey. Large, curved teeth "fringe the upper jaw like a comb". Specimens have been founding measuring up to about 50 cm.
On discovery, it was thought to represent a new genus, and was given the name Galatheathauma axeli (the genus being named after their ship, and the species name a tribute to Prince Axel of Denmark
). The discoverers were aware of a previously discovered anglerfish with the esca (light organ) in its mouth, Thaumatichthys pagidostomus, but because the only specimen of pagidostomus had been measured at 8 cm, it was considered unlikely to be of the same genus. Later, it was realized that the size difference was attributable to age, and Galatheathauma was merged with Thaumatichthys
.
Anglerfish
Anglerfishes are members of the teleost order Lophiiformes . They are bony fishes named for their characteristic mode of predation, wherein a fleshy growth from the fish's head acts as a lure; this is considered analogous to angling.Some anglerfishes are pelagic , while others are benthic...
of the family Thaumatichthys
Thaumatichthys
Thaumatichthys is a genus of deep-sea anglerfish in the family Thaumatichthyidae, with three known species. Its scientific name means "wonder-fish" in Greek; oceanographer Anton Bruun described these fishes as "altogether one of the oddest creatures in the teeming variety of the fish world." In...
. Thaumatichthys axeli lives at a depth of around 3,600 meters (in the abyssal zone
Abyssal zone
The abyssal zone is the abyssopelagic layer or pelagic zone that contains the very deep benthic communities near the bottom of oceans. "Abyss" derives from the Greek word ἄβυσσος, meaning bottomless. At depths of 4,000 to 6,000 metres , this zone remains in perpetual darkness and never receives...
), deeper than any other member of the family Thaumatichthys. As with other members of the family, they possess a distinctive forked light organ
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Its name is a hybrid word, originating from the Greek bios for "living" and the Latin lumen "light". Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring form of chemiluminescence where energy is released by a chemical reaction in...
inside their mouth, which they use to lure prey. Large, curved teeth "fringe the upper jaw like a comb". Specimens have been founding measuring up to about 50 cm.
History
Thaumatichthys axeli was first discovered during the Galathea expedition of 1950-1952. Anton Bruun described it as "unquestionably the strangest catch of the Galathea Expedition, and altogether one of the oddest creatures in the teeming variety of the fish world."On discovery, it was thought to represent a new genus, and was given the name Galatheathauma axeli (the genus being named after their ship, and the species name a tribute to Prince Axel of Denmark
Prince Axel of Denmark
Axel Christian Georg, Prince of Denmark and Iceland was a Danish and Icelandic prince.Prince Axel was the second son of Prince Valdemar of Denmark and his wife, Princess Marie d'Orléans....
). The discoverers were aware of a previously discovered anglerfish with the esca (light organ) in its mouth, Thaumatichthys pagidostomus, but because the only specimen of pagidostomus had been measured at 8 cm, it was considered unlikely to be of the same genus. Later, it was realized that the size difference was attributable to age, and Galatheathauma was merged with Thaumatichthys
Thaumatichthys
Thaumatichthys is a genus of deep-sea anglerfish in the family Thaumatichthyidae, with three known species. Its scientific name means "wonder-fish" in Greek; oceanographer Anton Bruun described these fishes as "altogether one of the oddest creatures in the teeming variety of the fish world." In...
.