The Onespot Wormfish, scientifically known as Gunnellichthys monostigma, is a fascinating and unique fish species belonging to the family Microdesmidae. This species is characterized by its slender, worm-like body and a distinctive single dark spot on its dorsal fin.
Description & Characteristics
The Gunnellichthys monostigma can reach a maximum size of 15.0 cm. It is a bottom-dwelling fish with a elongated body, which is laterally compressed. Its mouth is small and terminal, equipped with numerous small teeth. As the name suggests, the Onespot Wormfish possesses a single, dark spot on its dorsal fin, which distinguishes it from other wormfish species. This spot is usually positioned near the middle of the dorsal fin and is a prominent feature that allows for easy identification.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Gunnellichthys monostigma exhibits a preference for subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, inhabiting the deep zones of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. This categorizes it as a neritic fish, meaning it is found in coastal waters over the continental shelf. This depth range from 1.0 to 20.0 meters reflects its adaptation to diverse marine environments.
Taxonomy
The Gunnellichthys monostigma species belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Microdesmidae. The Teleostei is a large and diverse class of bony fishes that encompasses most of the fish species found today. The Gobiiformes order comprises gobies and their close relatives, known for their small size and bottom-dwelling habits. Within this order, the Microdesmidae family encompasses the wormfish species, which share similar body shapes and ecological roles.
Feeding
The Gunnellichthys monostigma is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on a variety of crustaceans and invertebrates. Its diet includes Brine Shrimp Nauplii, Brine Shrimps, Mysis, and Schrimps. These organisms are small and abundant in the marine environment, providing a steady food source for this wormfish species.
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