Acyrtus
Acyrtus is a genus of deep-sea fishes in the family Macrouridae, commonly known as grenadiers or rattails. They are characterized by their elongated bodies, with a long, tapering tail and a small head. These fishes are found in deep waters, typically at depths of 1,000 to 3,000 meters. They are bottom-dwelling organisms and play an important role in the food web of the deep sea.
Common Names
The common names for members of the genus Acyrtus include:
- Grenadiers
- Rattails
Characteristics
Acyrtus species exhibit several distinctive characteristics:
- Elongated body: Their bodies are typically long and slender, tapering to a thin tail.
- Small head: The head is relatively small compared to the body.
- Barbels: Some species have barbels around the mouth, which are sensory organs used for detecting prey.
- Small eyes: Due to their deep-sea habitat, their eyes are relatively small.
- Large mouth: The mouth is large and often equipped with sharp teeth for capturing prey.
Environments
Acyrtus species are typically found in deep-sea environments, often on the continental slopes and rises. They prefer depths ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 meters.
References
For further information on Acyrtus, consult the following resources: