Babakinidae
Babakinidae is a family of small, deep-sea fish in the order Beryciformes. They are characterized by their elongated, compressed bodies and large, forward-facing eyes. Babakinidae is a small family with only two known species, both of which are found in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Common Names
The common names for these fish are not widely used and may vary depending on the region. One species, Babakia erythrophthalma, is sometimes called the "red-eyed babakin" due to its distinctive red eyes.
Characteristics
Members of the Babakinidae family share a number of distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other fish. These include:
- Elongated, compressed body: Their bodies are long and thin, flattened from side to side.
- Large, forward-facing eyes: They have large eyes that are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent vision in the dimly lit depths of the ocean.
- Small mouth: Their mouths are relatively small compared to their bodies.
- Spiny dorsal fin: The first part of their dorsal fin contains spines, while the second part is soft-rayed.
- Large scales: Their bodies are covered in large, bony scales.
Environment
Both species of Babakinidae are found in the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean, typically at depths of 1,000 meters or more. They live in a variety of habitats, including seamounts, canyons, and the abyssal plain. Due to their deep-sea habitat, they are rarely encountered by humans.
References
For more information on Babakinidae, you can refer to the following resources: