Genypterus tigerinus, commonly known as the Tigerling, is a species of fish belonging to the Ophidiidae family, commonly referred to as cusk-eels. This species is widely recognized for its distinctive appearance and significant role in the marine ecosystem.
Description & Characteristics
The Genypterus tigerinus is a medium-sized fish, reaching a maximum size of 120.0 cm. This species exhibits a slender, eel-like body with a prominent head and a long, tapering tail. The dorsal fin runs along the entire length of the back, while the anal fin extends almost to the tail fin. The color pattern of the Tigerling is striking, characterized by a series of dark, tiger-like stripes against a lighter background, a feature that gives the species its common name.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Genypterus tigerinus is a demersal fish, meaning it lives and feeds near the bottom of the ocean. It is primarily found in coastal waters, with a depth range of 0.0 – 60.0 meters. The Tigerling is known to inhabit a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and seagrass meadows. It is often observed in the neritic zone, which is the area of the ocean extending from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Genypterus tigerinus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Ophidiiformes, and Family: Ophidiidae. The Ophidiiformes, commonly known as cusk-eels, are a diverse order of ray-finned fishes that are characterized by their elongated bodies and small, often barbel-like appendages near the mouth. The Ophidiidae family is one of the largest and most diverse families within the order, containing a wide variety of species found in both deep and shallow waters around the world.
Feeding
The Genypterus tigerinus is a carnivorous fish that primarily feeds on a diet of small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Its long, slender body and sharp teeth are well-suited for capturing and consuming prey. As a demersal fish, it hunts along the ocean floor, using its senses to locate and pursue prey.
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