Viperfish ( love it )

Subject: Viperfish ( love it ) 2008-10-10, 18:13

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A
viperfish is a deepwater fish in the genus Chauliodus, with long,
needle-like teeth and hinged lower jaws. They grow to lengths of 30 to 60 cm
(12 - 24 inches).

The name viperfish is also
sometimes applied to the lesser weever.

Species

There are
27 species:

* Chauliodus barbatus (Lowe, 1843).

* Dana viperfish, Chauliodus danae Regan & Trewavas, 1929.

* Chauliodus dentatus Garman, 1899.

* Pacific viperfish, Chauliodus macouni Bean, 1890.

* Chauliodus minimus Parin & Novikova, 1974.

* Chauliodus pammelas Alcock, 1892.

* Chauliodus schmidti (Regan & Trewavas, 1929).

* Sloane's viperfish, Chauliodus sloani Bloch & Schneider, 1801.

* Chauliodus vasnetzovi Novikova, 1972.

The viperfish lives in the
bathyal zone. The bathyal zone extends down about 4,000 meters. Food is
scarce in this region. The viperfish is able to survive in this area because
he is a fierce hunter. He floats on his back and the tip of his spine glows.
This glowing attracts fish. The fish come near and he stabs them with his
long lower fangs. The viperfish also has curved teeth which prevents his
prey from escaping.