Bearded brotula – Brotula barbata

The Goatsbeard Brotula, Atlantic Bearded Brotula, Sugarfish – Brotula barbata is a species of deep-sea fish found in the Atlantic Ocean. This fish, also known scientifically as Brotula barbata, is a fascinating and unique creature with a distinctive appearance and intriguing behavior. Its name, “Goatsbeard Brotula”, derives from the prominent barbels located around its mouth, resembling a goat’s beard.

Description & Characteristics

The Goatsbeard Brotula, Atlantic Bearded Brotula, Sugarfish – Brotula barbata can grow up to a maximum size of 94.0 cm in length. Its body is elongated and somewhat compressed, with a tapered tail. The fish has a large head with a wide, gaping mouth, and its distinctive feature, the “goatsbeard,” is a cluster of long barbels around the mouth, used for sensing prey in the murky depths of the ocean floor.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Goatsbeard Brotula, Atlantic Bearded Brotula, Sugarfish – Brotula barbata typically inhabits the deep-sea waters of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the bathyal zone, which extends from 200 meters to 3,000 meters below the surface. This species is commonly found on the continental slopes and abyssal plains, where it navigates the dark and cold environment, relying on its keen senses to find food and avoid predators.

Taxonomy

The species Brotula barbata belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Ophidiiformes, and Family: Ophidiidae. This family, the Ophidiidae, encompasses a diverse range of fish commonly referred to as cusk-eels, and the Goatsbeard Brotula, Atlantic Bearded Brotula, Sugarfish – Brotula barbata is one of the many fascinating members of this group.

Feeding

The Goatsbeard Brotula, Atlantic Bearded Brotula, Sugarfish – Brotula barbata is a carnivorous fish, feeding primarily on a variety of crustaceans and other invertebrates. Its diet includes crabs, lobsters, rock lobsters, mantis shrimps, hermit crabs, shrimps, snails, and even small fish. Its barbels play a crucial role in locating prey, and its large mouth allows it to engulf relatively large food items.