Cepola haastii, a species of fish, is commonly known as the ribbonfish. This fish is a member of the family Cepolidae, which is part of the Order Eupercaria incertae sedis and the Class Teleostei.
Description & Characteristics
Cepola haastii is a slender, elongated fish with a ribbon-like body. Its body is compressed laterally and tapers to a pointed tail. They are typically silver to gray in color, with a faint dusky stripe running along the sides of their body. Their eyes are relatively small, positioned high on the head. The maximum size of Cepola haastii has been recorded at 60.0 cm.
Habitat and Occurrence
Cepola haastii is a benthic species, meaning it lives on the bottom of the ocean floor. They are commonly found in the continental shelf and upper slope areas, typically at depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters. This means they inhabit the epipelagic and mesopelagic marine zones.
Taxonomy
The scientific classification of Cepola haastii places it within the Class Teleostei, which encompasses most of the bony fish. It is further classified under the Order Eupercaria incertae sedis, a group of fishes whose taxonomic relationships are still being studied. Finally, Cepola haastii belongs to the Family Cepolidae, which is characterized by the ribbon-like bodies of its members.
Feeding
Cepola haastii is a carnivorous fish that feeds primarily on crustaceans, polychaetes, and small fish. They use their long, slender bodies to maneuver through the sand and rubble on the ocean floor, where they ambush their prey.
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