Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Barbourisiidae

Barbourisiidae

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CAAB: 37134000

Family BARBOURISIIDAE

Redvelvet Whalefish


Compiler and date details

23 May 2020 - John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates & Douglass F. Hoese

John R. Paxton & Jennifer E. Gates

Introduction

The family Barbourisiidae comprises a single genus and species, Barbourisia rufa (Paxton 2016), known as the Redvelvet Whalefish, found in all three oceans.

Barbourisia rufa has been taken in bottom trawls from 385–1500 m, and in midwater trawls from 250–2000 m. One specimen has been captured from 250–300 m at night in a closing net off Hawaii, indicating the possibility of vertical migration. They are characterised by having small, non-imbricate body scales with a single, central spine, a large lateral line canal with small pores, abdominal pelvic fins and a bright orange-red colour in life. They reach at least 39 cm in length.

The family was reviewed by Kotlyar (1995). Paxton (1999) and Paxton & Stewart (2015) provided information on the family and relationships are discussed by Paxton et al. (2001).

 

History of changes

Note that this list may be incomplete for dates prior to September 2013.
Published As part of group Action Date Action Type Compiler(s)
05-Aug-2022 STEPHANOBERYCIFORMES 29-May-2020 MODIFIED Dr Dianne Bray (NMV) Dr Doug Hoese (AM) Dr Matthew Lockett (AM)
12-Feb-2010 (import)