Chimaera monstrosa Linnaeus, 1758
Rabbitfish
|
 |
Chimaera monstrosa are a benthopelagic species generally found between 300 and 500 m, but sometimes to 1000 m. In northern waters they make a summer inshore migration to between 40 and 100 m. Rabbit fish are distributed along Atlantic coasts from Morocco and Madeira north to Iceland, Northern Norway, Skagerrak and the North Sea. An oviparous species, rabbit fish deposit their eggs in spring and summer (Whitehead et al., 1989).
Trawl catches of rabbitfish frequently consist of one sex, indicating that they may occur in unisexual shoals. Larger females have been recorded in shallower water in spring and summer when they lay their eggs (Wheeler 1985).
Chimaera monstrosa are recognised by their greatly tapering body, with a large head and narrow trunk, which tapers to a whip-like caudal filament. The first dorsal fin is triangular and high and is preceded by a slightly higher spine. The second dorsal fin is long and continuous and the anal fin is short and low. They are usually coloured blue to silvery green, with brown mottling occurring along the lateral edges (Whitehead et al., 1989).
During the present survey Chimaera monstrosa were observed swimming or hovering over sand, mud and coral debris in and around the Darwin Mounds and the Sula Reef. They did not generally appear disturbed by the presence of a camera although some were attracted to the light.
Chimaera monstrosa appear to be of a minor commercial importance.
There is more information available for this species on FishBase.
Prepared by: Ecological Consultancy Services Ltd www.ecoserve.ie