Apletodon
Apletodon is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Bythitidae, commonly known as viviparous brotulas or viviparous eelpouts. These fishes are characterized by their elongated, eel-like bodies, with a lack of pelvic fins and a single dorsal fin that extends nearly the entire length of their back. They are found in deep waters, often in the bathyal zone, and are known for their unique reproductive strategy of viviparity, where the young develop inside the female and are born live.
Common Names
Members of the genus Apletodon are commonly known as viviparous brotulas or viviparous eelpouts. These names reflect their unique reproductive strategy of giving birth to live young, a characteristic uncommon in the fish world.
Characteristics
Apletodon species share several distinctive features, including:
- Elongated, eel-like body: Their body shape is slender and elongated, resembling that of an eel.
- Absence of pelvic fins: Unlike many fish species, they lack pelvic fins.
- Single, continuous dorsal fin: A single dorsal fin runs nearly the entire length of their back, from the head to near the tail.
- Viviparity: The most notable characteristic of Apletodon is their viviparous reproduction, where the embryos develop inside the female and are born live. This distinguishes them from most other fish species that lay eggs.
Environment
Apletodon species are typically found in deep waters, primarily in the bathyal zone, which extends from about 200 to 3,000 meters below the surface. They are often associated with benthic habitats, meaning they inhabit the bottom of the ocean floor. These depths provide a cool, dark environment suitable for their survival.
References
For further information on Apletodon, refer to the following resources: