Introduction

The superorder Lampridiomorpha contains a single order, Lampridiformes (Nelson 2006).

General References

Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 601 pp.

History of changes

Introduction

The order Lampridiformes contains six or seven families (Nelson 2006; Wiley & Johnson 2010, Nelson et al. 2016). Phylogenetic relationships of the group by Olney et al. (1993), based on morphology were corroborated by Wiley et al. (1998), although the Stylephoridae were not included in the 1998 analyses. Miya et al. (2007) placed the Stylephoridae outside the Lampridiformes. Nelson et al (2016) placed the Stylephoridae within the superorder Paracanthopterygii Order Stylephoriformes as a sister group to the Gadiformes.

General References

Miya, M., Holcroft, N.I., Satoh, T.P., Yamaguchi, M., Nishida, M. & Wiley, E.O. 2007. Mitochondrial genome and a nuclear gene indicate a novel phylogenetic position of deep-sea tube-eye fish (Stylephoridae). Ichthyological Research 54: 323-332

Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 601 pp. [226]

Nelson, J.S., Grande, T.C. & Wilson, M.V.H. 2016. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons 5, 752 pp. [287]

Olney, J.E., Johnson, G.D. & Baldwin, C.C. 1993. Phylogeny of lampridiform fishes. Bulletin of Marine Science 52: 137-169

Wiley, E.O., Johnson, G.D. & Dimmick, W.W. 1998. The phylogenetic relationships of lampridiform fishes (Teleostei: Acanthomorpha), based on a total-evidence analysis of morphological and molecular data. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 10(3): 417-425

Wiley, E.O. & Johnson, G.D. 2010. A teleost classification based on monophyletic groups. pp. 123-182 in Nelson, J.S., Schultze, H.-P. & Wilson, M.V.H. Origin and Phylogenetic Interrelationships of Teleosts. München, Germany : Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil 480 pp. [147]

Common Name References

Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 601 pp. [226] (Opahs)

History of changes

Introduction

Reviewed by Walters (1960), the Veliferidae comprise two monotypic genera, although this has been questioned by some authors, including Olney (1999), who consider that both species belong to the genus Velifer. Both species are found in Australian waters.

Veilfins are moderately deepwater fishes of the Indian and Pacific Oceans off the continental shelves and upper continental shelves. They are characterised by having a deep body and very high dorsal and anal fins with thick scaly sheaths at their bases. Maximum length for the family is 30 cm.

General References

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068.

Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247

Common Name References

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1966] (FAO) (Velifers)

Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J. & Leyland, G.G. 1984. Continental Shelf Fishes of Northern and North-Western Australia. Canberra : Fisheries Information Service 375 pp. figs & pls. [88] (Veilfins)

History of changes

• Metavelifer Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247 [246].

  Type species:

   Velifer multiradiatus Regan, 1907 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Indo-west-central Pacific.

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14), Central Eastern Transition (15), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

History of changes

• Velifer multiradiatus Regan, C.T. 1907. Descriptions of the teleostean fish Velifer hypselopterus and of a new species of the genus Velifer. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1907: 633-634 [633].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1887.5.16.6, northwestern coast of Australia.
• Velifer multispinosus Smith, J.L.B. 1951. The fishes of the family Veliferidae from South East Africa. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 12 4(41): 497-510 [504, fig. 2; pls 11-12].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAIAB 33, Off the coast near Lourenço Marques, Mozambique,.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247 [247]

Generic Combinations

• Metavelifer multiradiatus (Regan, 1907). —
  Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247 [247] (changed combination)
• Metavelifer multiradiatus multispinosus (Smith, 1951). —
  Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (776)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

East of Swains Reefs, QLD (22º28´S) to southern NSW, and from off Ceduna, SA (133º40´E) to the Northwest Shelf, north of Port Hedland (18º40´S), WA, and from the Lord Howe Rise; subtropical, temperate, Indo-west-central Pacific.

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14), Central Eastern Transition (15), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Great Australian Bight Shelf Transition (32), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

Ecological Descriptors

Benthopelagic, continental shelf, marine.

Extra Ecological Information

30-242 m

General References

Allen, G.R. & Swainston, R. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A field guide for anglers and divers. Perth, WA : Western Australian Museum vi 201 pp., 70 pls. [44, as Velifer multiradiatus]

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Veliferidae. pp. 534 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [535]

Glover, C.J.M. 1994. Families Lampridae, Veliferidae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae, Fistulariidae. pp. 427-435 figs 382-387 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [429]

Hutchins, J.B. 2001. Checklist of the fishes of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 63: 9-50 [26]

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [125]

May, J.L. & Maxwell, J.G.H. 1986. Field Guide to Trawl Fish from Temperate Waters of Australia. Hobart : CSIRO Division of Marine Research 492 pp. [240]

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [138] (as Velifer multiradiatus)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [63] (446, as Velifer multiradiatus)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1967]

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E. & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Veliferidae. pp. 534-535 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [534]

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [397] (as Velifer multiradiatus)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [681]

Walters, V. 1960. Synopsis of the lampridiform suborder Veliferoidei. Copeia 1960(3): 245-247 [247]

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (775, 776, as Metavelifer multiradiatus multispinosus)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Spinyfin Velifer)

Haling, G., Kennedy, T., Last, P. & Palmer, R. 1988. Recommended Marketing Names for Fish. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service 238 pp. [189] (Australian Marketing Name) (Veilfin)

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [125] (Veil-fin)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Common Veilfin)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [683] (Velifer)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Common Veilfin)

History of changes

• Velifer Temminck, C.J. & Schlegel, H. 1850. Pisces. In, Siebold, P. Fr de (ed.). Fauna Japonica. Leyden : Apud Arnz & Socios Vol. 4 324 pp. 144 pls. [1843–1850] [312].

  Type species:

   Velifer hypselopterus Bleeker, 1879 by subsequent monotypy, see Bleeker, P. 1879. Énumération des espèces de poissons actuellement connues du Japon et description de trois espèces inédites. Verhandelingen der Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen [Verh. Akad. Amsterdam] 18: 1-33 pls 1-3 [16].

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Indo-west Pacific.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

History of changes

• Velifer hypselopterus Bleeker, P. 1879. Énumération des espèces de poissons actuellement connues du Japon et description de trois espèces inédites. Verhandelingen der Koninklijke Akademie van Wetenschappen [Verh. Akad. Amsterdam] 18: 1-33 pls 1-3 [16].

  Type data:

   Status unknown, whereabouts unknown, Japan.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Northern Territory, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Shark Bay, WA (25º29´S) to Gulf of Carpentaria, QLD and off Iluka (29°24'S) to Stockton Bight (32°51'S), NSW; tropical, Indo-west Pacifc.

IMCRA

Timor Transition (1), Northern Shelf Province (25), Northwest Shelf Transition (26), Northwest Shelf Province (27), Central Western Shelf Transition (28), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Benthic, continental shelf, marine.

General References

Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Perth : Western Australian Museum 292 pp. 106 pls. [70]

Hutchins, J.B. 2001. Checklist of the fishes of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 63: 9-50 [26]

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1967]

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E. & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Veliferidae. pp. 534-535 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [535]

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [397]

Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J. & Leyland, G.G. 1984. Continental Shelf Fishes of Northern and North-Western Australia. Canberra : Fisheries Information Service 375 pp. figs & pls. [88]

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (774)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Sailfin Velifer)

Sainsbury, K.J., Kailola, P.J. & Leyland, G.G. 1984. Continental Shelf Fishes of Northern and North-Western Australia. Canberra : Fisheries Information Service 375 pp. figs & pls. [88] (High-finned Veilfin)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Highfin Veilfin)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Highfin Veilfin)

History of changes

Introduction

The family Lamprididae comprises a single genus, Lampris, and six species (Underkoffler, Luers, Hyde & Craig 2018). Previously only two species were recognised (Parin & Kukuyev 1983). Two species are known from Australian waters. Even earlier workers, such as Palmer & Oelschläger (1976) considered the family to be monotypic. Olney (1999) provided information on the family.

Moonfishes or opahs are pelagic fishes living around the world in oceanic waters between 79ºN and 67ºS. Recorded food items include crustaceans, molluscs and young fishes. These brightly coloured, deep-bodied, oceanic fishes are rarely seen inshore and are uncommon in collections. Little is known of their biology. Maximum size is 1.8 m.

General References

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1968]

Olney, J.E., Johnson, G.D. & Baldwin, C.C. 1993. Phylogeny of lampridiform fishes. Bulletin of Marine Science 52: 137-169

Olney, J.E. & Collette, B.B. 2016. Order Lampriformes: Family Lampridae. pp. 1929-1930 in Carpenter, K.E. & De Angelis, N. (eds.). The Living Marine Resources of the Eastern Central Atlantic. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. Bony Fishes Part 1 (Elopiformes to Scorpaeniformes). Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1511-2350. [1930]

Palmer, G. & Oelschläger, H.A. 1976. Use of the name Lampris guttatus (Brünnich, 1788) in preference to Lampris regius (Bonnaterre, 1788) for the opah. Copeia 1976(2): 366-367

Parin, N.V. & Kukuyev, Ye.I. 1983. Re-establishment of the validity of Lampris immaculata Gilchrist and the geographical distribution of the Lampridae. Voprosy Ikhtiologii 23(1): 1-12 figs 1-5 [in Russian; English translation J. Ichthyol. 23(1): 1–12]

Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [427] (Moonfishes)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1968] (FAO) (Opahs)

History of changes

• Lampris Retzius, A.J. 1799. Lampris, en ny fiskslägt beskrifven. Kongliga Svenska Vetenskaps-Academiens Nya Handlingar, Stockholm 20: 91-100 [91].

  Type species:

   Zeus guttatus Brünnich, 1788 by monotypy.

Excluded Taxa

Misidentifications

LAMPRIDIDAE: Lampris guttatus (Brünnich, 1788) — Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565 [557] (restricted to eastern North Atlantic and Mediterranean)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Central Western Shelf Province (29), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Central Western Province (6), Southwest Transition (7), Southern Province (8), West Tasmania Transition (9)

General References

Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565

History of changes

• Lampris australensis Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565 [556, fig. 4C].

  Type data:

   Holotype CSIRO H.4880-01, east of Tasman Island, Tasmania [43°12’S, 148°18’E].
  Paratype(s) AM I.24492-001; CSIRO H.1993-1.

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Lampris guttatus (Brünnich, 1788) [misidentification]. —
  Paxton, J.R. & Gates, J.E. 2006. Family Lamprididae. pp. 536-537 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [536]
• Lampris regius (Bonnaterre, 1788) [misidentification]. —
  McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [137]

Introduction

Prior to 2018, the species was treated as L. guttatus, which is now considered restricted to the Atlantic Ocean.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

From Scotts Head Beach, NSW (30º43´S) to Sorrento Beach, WA (31º49´S), records sparse in southern Australia; subtropical, temperate, circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Southwest Shelf Transition (30), Southwest Shelf Province (31), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Western Province (6), Southwest Transition (7), Southern Province (8), West Tasmania Transition (9)

Ecological Descriptors

Inshore, marine, oceanic, pelagic.

General References

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Lamprididae. pp. 297 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [297] (as Lampris guttatus)

Glover, C.J.M. 1994. Families Lampridae, Veliferidae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae, Fistulariidae. pp. 427-435 figs 382-387 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [427] (as Lampris guttatus)

Hutchins, J.B. 2001. Checklist of the fishes of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, Supplement 63: 9-50 [26]

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [137] (as Lampris regius)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [63] (447, as L. regius)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1968] (as Lampris guttatus)

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [396] (as Lampris guttatus)

Paxton, J.R. & Gates, J.E. 2006. Family Lamprididae. pp. 536-537 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [536] (as Lampris guttatus)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [685] (as Lampris guttatus)

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (773, as Lampris regius)

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [429] (Opah, Kingfish, Spotted Moonfish)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [63] (Mariposa, Moon Fish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Opah)

Whitley, G.P. 1950. The opah or moonfish in Australasia. Australian Museum Magazine 10(3): 76-78 [77] (Maori for red flesh) (Arokura, Opal Fish)

Whitley, G.P. 1966. Marine Fishes of Australia. Brisbane : Jacaranda Press Vol. 1 pp. 1-142. [61] (as Lampris regius) (Moonfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 (as Lampris guttatus) (Opah)

History of changes

• Lampris immaculata Gilchrist, J.D.F. 1904. Descriptions of new South African fishes. Marine Investigations in South Africa 3: 1-16 18 pls [4, pl. 22].

  Type data:

   Holotype SAM 11765 skin, beach at Muizenberg, False Bay, South Africa.

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Off southwestern Tasmania, but probably more widespread; temperate, souther circumglobal, below 30°S.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10)

Ecological Descriptors

Marine, oceanic province, pelagic.

General References

Paxton, J.R. & Gates, J.E. 2006. Family Lamprididae. pp. 536-537 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [537]

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [686]

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Southern Opah)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1968] (FAO) (Southern Opah)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (CSIRO CAAB) (Southern Moonfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Southern Moonfish)

History of changes

• Lampris megalopsis Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565 [561, fig. 4F].

  Type data:

   Holotype USNM 402733 ♀, north-west Pacific Ocean [23°–26° N, 140°–155° W].
  Paratype(s) USNM 402734.

Distribution

States

New South Wales

Extra Distribution Information

Genetic samples from east of Middleton and Elizabeth reefs; tropical, discontinuous (Central-North Pacific west to American Samoa, Australia and Indonesia, South Africa (Indian Ocean), Gulf of Mexico and Chile

IMCRA

Lord Howe Province (14)

Ecological Descriptors

Pelagic.

Common Name References

Underkoffler, K.E., Luers, M.A., Hyde, J.R. & Craig, M.T. 2018. A taxonomic review of Lampris guttatus (Brünnich 1788) (Lampridiformes; Lampridae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4413(3): 551–565 [561] (Bigeye Pacific Opah)

History of changes

Introduction

The Lophotidae have not been reviewed comprehensively, but Olney (1984) summarised the development and relationships of the family. Walters & Fitch (1960) defined the genera, recognising one fossil and two recent genera. Oelschläger (1979) recognised three species in the family. Olney (1999) suggested that the family may contain only two species, although some workers recognise Lophotus capellei Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 as distinct. Craig et al. (2004) recognised at least three species of Lophotus, with distinct species in the north Pacific and south Pacific, but could not solve all the taxonomic problems, including the valid name of the south Pacific species. Roberts (2012) also recognised three species of Lophotus. Nelson (2006) recognised two genera and possibly three species. The family is in need of revision. Two species in two genera are recorded from Australia.

The family occurs worldwide in oceanic waters. Like the related ribbonfishes and oarfishes, crestfishes have an elongate, slender body with a long dorsal fin. A distinctive, high snout carries the anterior dorsal rays including the greatly elongate first ray, giving the appearance of a crest. An internal ink sac opens into the cloaca. Maximum size is approximately 2 m.

General References

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Lophotidae. pp. 298 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp.

Craig, M.T., Hastings, P.A. & Pondella, D.J. II 2004. Notes on the systematics of the crestfish genus Lophotus (Lampridiformes: Lophotidae), with a new record from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 103(2): 57-65 fig. 1

Nelson, J.S. 2006. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 601 pp. [229]

Oelschläger, H.A. 1979. Zur funktionellen Osteologie der Lophotidae (Pisces : Teleostei). Zoologische Jahrbucher. Abteilung für Anatomie 102: 336-360 figs 1-11

Olney, J.E. 1984. Lampridiformes: development and relationships. pp. 368-379 figs 193-201 in Moser, H.G. et al. (eds). Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Special Publication 1: 1-760

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068.

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E., Bray, D.J. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Lophotidae. pp. 538-539 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp.

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [430] (Crestfishes)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1970] (Crestfishes, Unicornfish)

History of changes

• Eumecichthys Regan, C.T. 1907. On the anatomy, classification, and systematic position of the teleostean fishes of the suborder Allotriognathi. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1907(3): 634-643 [638] [frequently mispelled as Eumethichthys].

  Type species:

   Lophotes fiski Günther, 1890 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31)

History of changes

• Lophotes fiski Günther, A. 1890. Description of a new species of deep-sea fish from the Cape (Lophotes fiski). Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1890(2): 244-247 pls 19-20 [244, pls 19-20].

  Type data:

   Holotype BMNH 1890.4.8.1, Cape of Good Hope, Kalk Bay, South Africa.

Generic Combinations

• Eumecichthys fiski (Günther, 1890). —
  Regan, C.T. 1907. On the anatomy, classification, and systematic position of the teleostean fishes of the suborder Allotriognathi. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1907(3): 634-643 [638] (changed classification with naming of genus Eumecichthy)

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off south-western WA; tropical, temperate, circumglobal. A very rare species.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Marine, mesopelagic, oceanic province, pelagic.

Extra Ecological Information

Reportedly found at 1000 m.

General References

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Lophotidae. pp. 298 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp.

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1970]

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E., Bray, D.J. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Lophotidae. pp. 538-539 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [539]

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Unicorn Crestfish)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1970] (Unicornfish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Web 2004. Fishbase. http://www.fishbase.org/Summary., Fishbase, FAO) (Unicorn Crestfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Unicorn Crestfish)

History of changes

• Lophotus Giorna, M.E. 1809. Suite et conclusion du mémoire sur des poissons d'espèces nouvelles et de genres nouveaux. Memorie della Reale Accademia delle Scienze di Torino 2: 177-180 [dated 1805–1808, not seen] [179].

  Type species:

   Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 by monotypy.

Excluded Taxa

Misidentifications

LOPHOTIDAE: Lophotus capellei Temminck & Schlegel, 1845 — Craig, M.T., Hastings, P.A. & Pondella, D.J. II 2004. Notes on the systematics of the crestfish genus Lophotus (Lampridiformes: Lophotidae), with a new record from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 103(2): 57-65 fig. 1 (Lophotus capellei from the north Pacific is specifically distinct from south Pacific specimens)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

General References

Craig, M.T., Hastings, P.A. & Pondella, D.J. II 2004. Notes on the systematics of the crestfish genus Lophotus (Lampridiformes: Lophotidae), with a new record from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 103(2): 57-65 fig. 1 (Craig et al. (2004) suggested that there may be three species in the genus Lophotus, They added that L. guntheri may be the valid name for specimens in the South Pacfic, however further work was needed to determine if the south Pacific specimens are conspecific with Lophotus cristatus Johnson, 1863 from the eastern Atlantic)

History of changes

• Lophotus guntheri Johnston, R.M. 1883. Description of a new species of fish, caught near Emu Bay, Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1882: 176-178 [177] [or Johnston, R.M. 1883. General and critical observations on fishes of Tasmania with a classified catalogue of all known species. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1882: 53–144 [142]; as Lophotes Guntheri].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM B.5776 (copy of exchange documents with Hobart Museum in 1884 in Ichthyology Dept. file includes B.5776), near Emu Bay, northwestern coast of Tasmania.

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Lohotes guntheri Johnston, 1883 [Lophotes considered a mispelling or non-latinized name for Lophotus]. —
  McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144
• Lophotus lacepede Giorna, 1809 [possibly confined to the Atlantic Ocean]. —
  Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1971]
• Lophotus capellei Temminck & Schlegel, 1845. —
  Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E., Bray, D.J. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Lophotidae. pp. 538-539 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [539]
• Lophotes cristatus Johnson, 1863 [considered as a synonym of L. lacepede or possibly a valid species from the Atlantic]. —
  McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144

Introduction

There is uncertainty over the correct name and number of species of Lophotus found in Australia. The species has been treated as Lophotus lacepede, L. capellei or L. guntheri. We follow Craig et al. (2004) in use of the name L. guntheri for the south Pacific species. Because there may be two species in Australia, further work is needed on the genus.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off Newcastle, NSW (32º56´S), off Apollo Bay, VIC (143º40´E), off Emu Bay, TAS (41º05´S) and off Cheyne Beach, WA (118º46´E); temperate, circumglobal.

IMCRA

Southwest Shelf Province (31), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38)

Ecological Descriptors

Mesopelagic, oceanic, pelagic.

General References

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Lophotidae. pp. 298 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [298] (as Lophotus lacepede)

Craig, M.T., Hastings, P.A. & Pondella, D.J. II 2004. Notes on the systematics of the crestfish genus Lophotus (Lampridiformes: Lophotidae), with a new record from California. Bulletin of the Southern California Academy of Sciences 103(2): 57-65 fig. 1 (determined that L. lacepede from the Mediterranean is spotted in colour; further research is needed to determine if the south Pacific specimens are conspecific with Lophotus cristatus Johnson, 1863 from the eastern Atlantic, or whether L. guntheri is the valid name)

Glover, C.J.M. 1994. Families Lampridae, Veliferidae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae, Fistulariidae. pp. 427-435 figs 382-387 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [430] (as Lophotus lacepedei)

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [36]

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [139] (as Lophotes guntheri, Lophotes cristatus)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [63] (448)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1971] (as Lophotus lacepede)

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E., Bray, D.J. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Lophotidae. pp. 538-539 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [539] (as Lophotus capellei)

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [398] (as Lophotus capellei)

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Smith, M.M. & Heemstra, P.C. (eds) 1986. Smith's Sea Fishes. Johannesburg : Macmillan South Africa xx + 1047 pp. 144 pls. [431]

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [688] (as Lophotus capelleri)

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (780)

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [431] (Crestfish, Unicorn Fish)

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [125] (Crested Bandfish)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [63] (Unicorn Ribbon-fish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Crested Bandfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (as Lophotus lacepede) (Crested Bandfish)

History of changes

Introduction

Worldwide, the Trachipteridae comprise three genera with 10 species (Olney 1999), or 11 species (Eschmeyer 2011, Nelson et al 2016). In Australian waters, three species from these genera have been recorded.

Ribbonfishes or dealfishes are pelagic in the open ocean. They reportedly feed on fishes, squid and crustaceans. All species undergo considerable allometric growth and remarkable ontogenetic changes between larval stages and adulthood. The body is long and compressed and tapers from a large head to a narrow caudal peduncle. The dorsal fin is long, extending almost the entire length of the body, the anal fin is generally absent and only the elongate upper lobe of the caudal fin is present in most species. The mouth is very protrusible. Maximum length for the family is 2.1 m.

The ribbonfishes have been partly reviewed by Walters & Fitch (1960), Palmer (1961), Fitch (1964) and Rosenblatt & Butler (1977). Scott (1983) examined the Australian species. Olney (2009) summarised the family and provided a key to species found in the Western Central Pacific. Heemstra & Kannemeyer (1984) reviewed the South African species and provided a key for two species of Trachipterus. Scott's (1983) data indicated that both species may be in Australian waters. Both are now known form Australia. We follow names recognised by Stewart (2015).

General References

Eschmeyer, W.N. 2011. Catalog of Fishes. Online version updated 29 March 2011. http://research.calacademy.org/redirect?url=http://researcharchive.calacademy.org/research/Ichthyology/catalog/fishcatmain.asp

Fitch, J.E. 1964. The ribbon fishes (family Trachipteridae) of the eastern Pacific Ocean, with a description of a new species. California Fisheries and Game 50(4): 228-240 figs 1-5

Heemstra, P.C. & Kannemeyer, S.X. 1984. The families Trachipteridae and Radiicephalidae (Pisces, Lampriformes) and a new species of Zu from South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum 94(2): 13-39 figs 1-11

Nelson, J.S., Grande, T.C. & Wilson, M.V.H. 2016. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons 5, 752 pp.

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068.

Palmer, G. 1961. The dealfishes (Trachipteridae) of the Mediterranean and north-east Atlantic. Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) Historical Series 7(7): 335-352 fig. 1 pl. 62

Rosenblatt, R.H. & Butler, J.L. 1977. The ribbonfish genus Desmodema with the description of a new species (Pisces : Trachipteridae). Fishery Bulletin (U.S.) 75(4): 843-855 figs 1-8

Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 682-697 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152.

Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [431] (Dealfishes, Ribbonfishes)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1973] (FAO) (Ribbonfishes)

History of changes

• Desmodema Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451 [446].

  Type species:

   Trachypterus jacksoniensis polystictus Ogilby, 1898 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal

IMCRA

Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Southwest Transition (7)

History of changes

• Trachypterus jacksoniensis polystictus Ogilby, J.D. 1898. On a Trachypterus from New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 22(3): 646-659 [649].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM (presumed lost, McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5(1): 1–144 [138] states type in AM, but there is no record of registration of this species, nor is it listed in the Museum type list by Whitley, G.P. 1957. List of Type-specimens of Recent Fishes in the Australian Museum, Sydney. Unpublished roneo. 40 pp.), near Newcastle, NSW.

Generic Combinations

• Desmodema polystictum (Ogilby, 1898). —
  Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451 [446] (changed combination as type of genus Desmodema)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Nelson Bay (32º45´S) NSW, South West Cape (43º57´S, 146º03´E) TAS and Rottnest Island, WA; temperate, circumglobal

IMCRA

Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Southwest Transition (7)

Ecological Descriptors

Epipelagic, marine, mesopelagic, oceanic.

Extra Ecological Information

0-500 m.

General References

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [138] (as Trachipterus jacksonensis, in part)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1974]

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [399]

Paxton, J.R., J.E. Gates, D.J. Bray & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Trachipteridae. pp. 540-542 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [541]

Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [690]

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Polka-dot Ribbonfish)

Fishbase 2004. Fishbase at. http://www.fishbase.org/Summary. (New Zealand) (Dealfish, Polka-dot Ribbonfish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Web 2004. Fishbase. http://www.fishbase.org/Summary., Fishbase, Papua New Guinea) (Spotted Ribbonfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Spotted Ribbonfish)

History of changes

• Trachipterus Goüan, A. 1770. Historia Piscium, Sistens Ipsorum Anatomen Externam, Internam, atque Genera in Classes et Ordines Redacta. Strasbourg 255 pp. [facing pages in French] [104, 153] [Cepola trachyptera Gmelin, 1789 is generally regarded as the type species, but the genus was described without included species and it is not clear when first species was added; see Eschmeyer, W.N. 1998. Catalog of Fishes. San Francisco : California Academy of Sciences pp. 3 vols 2905].

  Type species:

   Cepola trachyptera Gmelin, 1789 by subsequent designation.

Introduction

There has been considerable confusion over the names and how many species occur in Australia. We follow Stewart (2015) in recognising two species. Previous records indicated only one species, sometimes referred to as T. jacksoniensis and sometimes as T. arawatae. Distribution information for each species has not been well documented in Australia.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Southwest Transition (7)

General References

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152.

History of changes

• Regalecus jacksonensis Ramsay, E.P. 1881. On a new species of Regalecus from Port Jackson. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 1 5(4): 631-633 fig. 20 [631, pl. 20].

  Type data:

   Holotype AM A.9114, Manly Beach, NSW.

Generic Combinations

• Trachipterus jacksonensis (Ramsay, 1881). —
  Heemstra, P.C. & Kannemeyer, S.X. 1984. The families Trachipteridae and Radiicephalidae (Pisces, Lampriformes) and a new species of Zu from South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum 94(2): 13-39 figs 1-11 [17] (changed combination cited)

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Desmodema arawatae (Clarke, 1881) [misidentification]. —
  Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127
• Trachipterus arawatae Clark, 1881 [misidentification, in part, two species included under this name]. —
  Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3
  Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [400]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off Southport, QLD (27º58´S) to Port Lincoln, SA (135º52´E) and off Bunbury, WA, because of confusion over two species, some distribution records are not reliable; temperate, southern circumglobal except South America.

IMCRA

Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), Southwest Transition (7)

Ecological Descriptors

Marine, mesopelagic, oceanic.

General References

Glover, C.J.M. 1994. Families Lampridae, Veliferidae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae, Fistulariidae. pp. 427-435 figs 382-387 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [432] (as T. arawatae)

Grant, E.M. 1975. Guide to Fishes. Brisbane : Queensland Government, Co-ordinator General’s Department 640 pp. [117]

Heemstra, P.C. & Kannemeyer, S.X. 1984. The families Trachipteridae and Radiicephalidae (Pisces, Lampriformes) and a new species of Zu from South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum 94(2): 13-39 figs 1-11 [17]

May, J.L. & Maxwell, J.G.H. 1986. Field Guide to Trawl Fish from Temperate Waters of Australia. Hobart : CSIRO Division of Marine Research 492 pp. [242] (as T. arawatae)

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [138] (in part)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [64] (449 and 450, as T. jacksoniensis)

Paxton, J.R., Gates, J.E. & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Veliferidae. pp. 534-535 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [541]

Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3 [172] (as Trachipterus arawatae, in part)

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (778)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Blackflash Ribbonfish)

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [432] (Dealfish, Ribbonfish)

Grant, E.M. 1975. Guide to Fishes. Brisbane : Queensland Government, Co-ordinator General’s Department 640 pp. [117] (Deal-fish, Port Jackson Ribbon-fish)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [64] (Southern Ribbon-fish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Print 992 pp., 811 figs. [432]) (Southern Ribbonfish)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [691] (Jackson Dealfish)

History of changes

• Cepola trachyptera Gmelin, J.F. 1789. Pisces. pp. 1126-1516 in Linnaeus, C. (ed.). Systema Naturae. Leiden : Delamollière Vol. 1 Pt 3. [1187].
• Trachypterus arawatae Clarke, F.E. 1881. Description of a new species of Trachypterus. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 13(21): 195-199 1 fig. [1880] [197, fig.].

  Type data:

   Holotype NMNZ P.1008, Hominy Cove, 3-4 miles south from Jackson's Bay, New Zealand.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 682-697 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [691]

Distribution

States

Tasmania, Victoria

Extra Distribution Information

Port Phillip Bay, VIC and southern TAS, because of confusion of two species, distribution is probably more widespread; tropical, temperate, eastern Atlantic Indo-Pacific

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35)

Ecological Descriptors

Epipelagic, marine, mesopelagic, oceanic.

Extra Ecological Information

0-1200 m

General References

Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3 (as Trachipterus arawatae, in part)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Mediterranean Dealfish)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae,Lophotidae,Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp.681-694 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [692] (Peregrin Dealfish)

History of changes

• Zu Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451 [445].

  Type species:

   Trachypterus cristatus Bonelli, 1820 by original designation.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Central Eastern Transition (15), Cape Province (20), Northwest Transition (3), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Northeast Shelf Province (40)

History of changes

• Trachypterus cristatus Bonelli, F.A. 1820. Description d'une nouvelle espèce de poisson de la Méditerranée appartenant au genre Trachyptère (T. cristatus) avec des observations sur les caractères de ce même genre. Mémoires de l'Académie des Sciences, Turin 24: 485-494 [487].

  Type data:

   Holotype MZUT 1190, Gulf of Spezia, Mediterranean Sea.

Generic Combinations

• Zu cristatus (Bonelli, 1820). —
  Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451 [445] (changed combination as type of genus Zu)

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off Northwest Shelf, WA and off Cape Melville, QLD (14ºS) to off Sydney (34ºS), NSW, East Inlet, Stanley (40º44´S) and from the Cascade Plateau, SE of Hobart (44ºS, 150ºE) TAS; tropical, temperate, circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Central Eastern Transition (15), Cape Province (20), Northwest Transition (3), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Northeast Shelf Province (40)

Ecological Descriptors

Bathypelagic, marine, mesopelagic, oceanic.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth range 140-1500 m.

General References

Heemstra, P.C. & Kannemeyer, S.X. 1984. The families Trachipteridae and Radiicephalidae (Pisces, Lampriformes) and a new species of Zu from South Africa. Annals of the South African Museum 94(2): 13-39 figs 1-11 [23]

Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Bathurst : Crawford House Press 437 pp. [78]

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1974]

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [400]

Paxton, J.R., J.E. Gates, D.J. Bray & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Trachipteridae. pp. 540-542 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [542]

Scott, E.O.G. 1983. Observations on some Tasmanian fishes. Part 29. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 117: 167-202 figs 1-6 pls 1-3

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Scalloped Ribbonfish)

Kuiter, R.H. 1993. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Bathurst : Crawford House Press 437 pp. [78] (Scalloped Ribbonfish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Scalloped Ribbonfish)

Yearsley, G.K., Last, P.R. & Hoese, D.F. 2006. Standard names of Australian fishes. CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research Paper 9: 1-64 [32] (Scalloped Ribbonfish)

History of changes

Introduction

Olney (1999) recognised two monotypic genera in the family. Currently, two genera and three species are recognised for the Regalecidae (Roberts 2012, Nelson et al 2016); all species occur in Australian waters. However, Tyson Roberts of Bangkok in his study of the genus Regalecus has found two Pacific and two Atlantic species, but more research is needed to determine if each inter-ocean pair is conspecific. We provisionally assume that the New Zealand and Australian species of Agrostichthys are conspecific.

Oarfishes are compressed and extremely long, with the dorsal fin extending the length of the body. The long rays anteriorly form a crest and the pelvic fins are rod or spike-like. These fishes attain a maximum length of more than 8 m and are probably responsible for many reported sea serpent sightings.

The oarfishes, streamerfishes and king of herrings have not been revised recently. Walters & Fitch (1960) reviewed the two genera and Trunov (1982) described southern ocean specimens. Olney (1984) reviewed relationships and development of the family, and Oelschläger (1978) described the morphology of Agrostichthys.

General References

Nelson, J.S., Grande, T.C. & Wilson, M.V.H. 2016. Fishes of the World. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley & Sons 5, 752 pp.

Oelschläger, H.A. 1978. Zur Morphologie und Biomechanik von Agrostichthys Phillips im Vergleich mit anderen Allotriognathi (Pisces, Teleostei). Zoologische Jahrbucher. Abteilung für Anatomie 100: 118-153 figs 1-16

Olney, J.E. 1984. Lampridiformes: development and relationships. pp. 368-379 figs 193-201 in Moser, H.G. et al. (eds). Ontogeny and Systematics of Fishes. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Special Publication 1: 1-760

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068.

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Trunov, I.A. 1982. Species of the family Regalecidae (Lampridiformes) from the Southeastern Atlantic Ocean. Voprosy Ikhtiologii 22(1): 1-6 figs 1-2 [in Russian, English transl. J. Ichthyol. 22(1): 1–6]

Walters, V. & Fitch, J.E. 1960. The families and genera of the lampridiform (Allotriognath) suborder Trachipteroidei. California Fisheries and Game 46(4): 441-451

Common Name References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [433] (Oarfish)

Nelson, J.S. 1984. Fishes of the World. New York : John Wiley & Sons 523 pp. figs. [229] (Oarfishes)

Palmer, G. 1986. Regalecidae. pp. 727-728 in Whitehead, P.J.P., Bauchot, M.-L., Hureau, J.-C. & Tortonese, E. (eds). Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Paris : UNESCO Vol. 2 pp. 517-1007. [727] (King Of Herrings, Oar Fish)

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [401] (Streamerfishes)

History of changes

• Agrostichthys Phillipps, W.J. 1924. Agrostichthys, a new genus of ribbon fishes. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1924(1): 539-540 figs 1-2 [539].

  Type species:

   Regalecus parkeri Benham, 1904 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Southern circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37)

History of changes

• Regalecus parkeri Benham, W.B. 1904. An apparently new species of Regalecus (R. parkeri). Transactions of the New Zealand Institute 26(23): 198-200 [198, pl. 9].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) whereabouts unknown, Deborah Bay, Otago, New Zealand; whereabouts unknown, Stewart Island, New Zealand.
• Agrostichthys benhami Scott, E.O.G. 1934. Observations on Tasmanian fishes with descriptions of new species. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 1933: 31-53 figs 1-2 pls 6-8 [47, fig. 2, pls 7-8].

  Type data:

   Holotype QVM 1971:5:27 (HT 906), Ulverstone, TAS.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [401]

Generic Combinations

• Agrostichthys parkeri (Benham, 1904). —
  Phillipps, W.J. 1924. Agrostichthys, a new genus of ribbon fishes. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1924(1): 539-540 figs 1-2 [539] (changed combination with description of genus Agrostichthys)

Distribution

States

Tasmania

Extra Distribution Information

Rare mesopelagic fishes known in Australia from Ulverstone, TAS (41º10´S, 146º11´E), southwards around the eastern coast to the Pedra Branca Seamount (44º08´ S, 147º15´E), TAS; temperate, southern circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36)

Ecological Descriptors

Marine, mesopelagic, oceanic, pelagic.

General References

McDowall, R.M. & Stewart, A.L. 1999. Further specimens of Agrostichthys parkeri (Teleostei: Regalecidae), with natural history notes. pp. 165-174 in Séret, B. & Sire, J.-Y. (eds). Proceedings of the 5th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference (Nouméa, 3–8 November, 1997), Paris. Paris : Society Française d’Ichthyologie and Institut de Rechereche pour Développment.

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [62] (452, as A. benhami)

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [401]

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 682-697 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [695]

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (779)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (Streamer Fish)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [64] (Benham's Streamer-fish)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Benham's Streamerfish)

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 682-697 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [695] (Ribbonfish)

History of changes

• Regalecus Ascanius, P. 1772. Icones rerum naturalium ou figures enluminées d'histoire naturelle du Nord. Cah. 2 pp. 1–8 pls 11–20 Copenhagen. [date fide Dean, B. 1917 Vol. 1: 38] [5].

  Type species:

   Regalecus glesne Ascanius, 1772 by monotypy.

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Northwest Transition (3), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), West Tasmania Transition (9)

General References

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Roberts, T.R. 2016. Regalecidae. pp. 1939-1941 in Carpenter, K.E. & De Angelis, N. (eds.). The Living Marine Resources of the Eastern Central Atlantic. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. Bony Fishes Part 1 (Elopiformes to Scorpaeniformes). Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1511-2350.

History of changes

• Regalecus glesne Ascanius, P. 1772. Icones rerum naturalium ou figures enluminées d'histoire naturelle du Nord. Cah. 2 pp. 1–8 pls 11–20 Copenhagen. [date fide Dean, B. 1917 Vol. 1: 38] [5, pl. 11].

  Type data:

   Lectotype whereabouts unknown (material not extant), Glesvaer, near Bergen, Norway.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Fricke, R. 1999. Fishes of the Mascarene Islands (Réunion, Mauritius, Rodriguez). An annotated checklist with descriptions of new species. Theses Zoologicae 31: 1-759 figs 1-9 [35] (as illustrated specimen in original description).
• Regalecus masteri De Vis, C.W. 1891. Exhibits and descriptions. In, Proceedings of the Annual meeting including the President's address (with plates) and register of members for 1889–90. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 7(2): 1-48 [13] [nom. nud.].
• Regalecus masterii De Vis, C.W. 1892. The ribbon fish (a Regalecus in Queensland waters). Proceedings of the Royal Society of Queensland 8(4): 109-113 [109].

  Type data:

   Holotype QM I.89, near the Tweed River, QLD.
• Regalecus pacificus Haast, J.F.J. von 1878. Notes on Regalecus pacificus, a new species of ribbon-fish from the New Zealand sea. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 10(31): 246-250 pl. 7 [1877] [247, pl. 7].

  Type data:

   Holotype CMNZ F.2582 skin, New Brighton beach, Christchurch, New Zealand.

Taxonomic Decision for Synonymy

• McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [138]
• Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268 [89, 90]

Distribution

States

New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off southern, QLD to off South Australia. Although usually inhabiting the open ocean, many records are based on specimens collected close to shore, or washed ashore, because of similarity of two species in Australia, many records probably unreliable; temperate, circumglobal.

IMCRA

Tasmania Province (10), Southeast Transition (11), Central Eastern Province (12), Lord Howe Province (14), Spencer Gulf Shelf Province (33), Western Bass Strait Shelf Transition (34), Bass Strait Shelf Province (35), Tasmanian Shelf Province (36), Southeast Shelf Transition (37), Central Eastern Shelf Province (38), Central Eastern Shelf Transition (39), West Tasmania Transition (9)

Distribution References

Ecological Descriptors

Marine, mesopelagic, oceanic, pelagic.

Extra Ecological Information

Depth range 200-1000 m.

General References

Bray, D.J. 2008. Family Regalecidae. pp. 200 in Gomon, M.F., Bray, D.J. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). Fishes of Australia's Southern Coast. Sydney : Reed New Holland 928 pp. [300]

Glover, C.J.M. 1994. Families Lampridae, Veliferidae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae, Fistulariidae. pp. 427-435 figs 382-387 in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds). The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [433]

Grant, E.M. 1975. Guide to Fishes. Brisbane : Queensland Government, Co-ordinator General’s Department 640 pp. [117] (as R. pacificus)

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [36]

May, J.L. & Maxwell, J.G.H. 1986. Field Guide to Trawl Fish from Temperate Waters of Australia. Hobart : CSIRO Division of Marine Research 492 pp. [243]

McCulloch, A.R. 1929. A check-list of the fishes recorded from Australia. Part I. Memoirs of the Australian Museum 5: 1–144 [138]

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [64] (451)

Olney, J.E. 1999. Families Veliferidae, Lamprididae, Stylephoridae, Lophotidae, Radiicephalidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 1966-1975 in Carpenter, K.E. & Niem, V.H. (eds). The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fisheries Purposes. Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1397-2068. [1975]

Paxton, J.R., Hoese, D.F., Allen, G.R. & Hanley, J.E. (eds) 1989. Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Pisces: Petromyzontidae to Carangidae. Canberra : Australian Government Publishing Service Vol. 7 665 pp. [401]

Paxton, J.R., J.E. Gates, D.J. Bray & D.F. Hoese 2006. Family Regalecidae. pp. 543-544 in Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & Allen, G.R. Fishes. In, Beesley, P.L. & Wells, A. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Vol. 35. Volume 35 Australia : ABRS & CSIRO Publishing Parts 1-3, 2178 pp. [544]

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Roberts, T.R. 2016. Regalecidae. pp. 1939-1941 in Carpenter, K.E. & De Angelis, N. (eds.). The Living Marine Resources of the Eastern Central Atlantic. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. Bony Fishes Part 1 (Elopiformes to Scorpaeniformes). Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1511-2350.

Stewart, A.L. 2015. Families Veliferidae, Lampridae, Lophotidae, Trachipteridae, Regalecidae. pp. 682-697 in Roberts, C.D., Stewart, A.L. & Struthers, C.D. The Fishes of New Zealand. Wellington : Te Papa Press Vol. 3 pp. 577-1152. [696]

Whitley, G.P. 1964. A survey of Australian Ichthyology. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89(1): 11-127 [41] (777)

Common Name References

FAO-FIES 2017. Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Information System (ASFIS) species list. http://www.fao.org/fishery/collection/asfis/en (King Of Herrings)

Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & Kuiter, R.H. (eds) 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. Adelaide : State Printer 992 pp. 810 figs. [434] (Giant Oarfish, King-of-the-herrings, Pacific Oarfish, Streamer Fish)

Grant, E.M. 1975. Guide to Fishes. Brisbane : Queensland Government, Co-ordinator General’s Department 640 pp. [117] (Oar-fish)

Hutchins, J.B. & Swainston, R. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete field guide for anglers and divers. Perth : Swainston Publishing 180 pp. [125] (Oarfish)

Hutchins, J.B. & Thompson, M. 1983. The Marine and Estuarine Fishes of South-western Australia. Perth : Western Australian Museum 103 pp. 345 figs. [77] (Oar Fish)

Munro, I.S.R. 1961. Handbook of Australian fishes. Nos 1–42. Australian Fisheries Newsletter 15–17, 19, 20: 1-172 [published as separates 1956–1961] [64] (King Of Herrings)

Seafood Services Australia 2008. Australian Fish Names Standard. http://www.fishnames.com.au/. (Oarfish)

History of changes

• Gymnetrus russelii Cuvier, G.L. 1816. Le Règne Animal, distribué d'après son organisation, pour servir de base a l'histoire naturelle des animaux et d'introduction a l'anatomie comparée. Les reptiles et les poisons. Paris : Déterville Vol. 2 pp. 104-351. [244].

  Type data:

   Neotype BSKU 39999 (original type locality Vizagapatam, India), Shikoku, Tosa Bay, Japan.

  Subsequent designation references:

  Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268 [100].

Generic Combinations

• Regalecus russellii (Cuvier, 1816). —
  Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268 [90] (as russellii)

Miscellaneous Literature Names

• Regalecus russellii (Cuvier, 1816). —
  Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Introduction

Note that the species name was originally spelled russelii. Most authors followed Günther (1861) in spelling the name russellii. Both names are currently in usage, but it is liklely that the name russellii may meet criteria for availability under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Cuvier and Valenciennes in all of their works spelled the name of P. Russell as Russel, affecting the spelling several species named after Russell.

Distribution

States

Western Australia

Extra Distribution Information

Off North West Shelf (17º56'S, 118º14'E), based on CSIRO specimen; tropical, circumglobal

IMCRA

Northwest Transition (3)

General References

Günther, A. 1861. Catalogue of the Fishes in the British Museum. Catalogue of the acanthopterygian fishes in the collection of the British Museum. London : British Museum Vol. 3 586 pp.

Roberts, T.R. 2012. Systematics, biology, and distribution of the species of the oceanic oarfish genus Regalecus (Teleostei, Lampridiformes, Regalecidae). Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (N.S.) [1993-2016] A Zoologie 202: 1-268

Roberts, T.R. 2016. Regalecidae. pp. 1939-1941 in Carpenter, K.E. & De Angelis, N. (eds.). The Living Marine Resources of the Eastern Central Atlantic. FAO Species Identification Guide for Fishery Purposes. Bony Fishes Part 1 (Elopiformes to Scorpaeniformes). Rome : FAO Vol. 3 pp. 1511-2350.

History of changes