Australian Biological Resources Study

Australian Faunal Directory

Bathysauridae

Bathysauridae

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CAAB: 37118000

Family BATHYSAURIDAE

Deepsea Lizardfishes


Compiler and date details

16 July 2016 - John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates, Dianne J. Bray & Douglass F. Hoese

John R. Paxton, Jennifer E. Gates & Douglass F. Hoese

Introduction

Members of the Bathysauridae live in deep waters of all oceans. The family comprises one genus and two species. Only one species has been collected in Australian waters, but it is likely that the widespread species Bathysaurus mollis Günther, 1878 will also be found.

Deepsea lizardfishes are benthic in slope waters below 1000 m. Food items include benthic fishes and decapod crustaceans. Characteristics include a large mouth with strong teeth extending far behind the moderate-sized eye, enlarged lateral line scales and well-developed body scales. Maximum length is 61 cm.

Species of Bathysaurus were revised by Sulak et al. (1985). Johnson (1982) treated the group as a distinct family, and placement here follows the work of Baldwin & Johnson (1996).

 

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)
22-Dec-2016 AULOPIFORMES 05-Aug-2014 MODIFIED Dr Dianne Bray (NMV) Dr Doug Hoese (AM) Dr Matthew Lockett (AM)
12-Feb-2010 (import)