Cepolidae
The Cepolidae, commonly known as bandfishes or ribbonfishes, are a family of ray-finned fishes in the order Perciformes. They are characterized by their extremely elongated, compressed bodies and their long, flowing dorsal fins. Bandfishes inhabit tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, typically found in shallow to moderate depths, often associated with coral reefs and rocky bottoms.
Characteristics
Bandfishes are easily recognized by their distinctive physical features:
- Elongated, compressed body: This gives them a ribbon-like appearance, with their height significantly less than their length.
- Long, flowing dorsal fin: This fin extends nearly the entire length of their body, with numerous soft rays.
- Short anal fin: Unlike the dorsal fin, the anal fin is much shorter and located closer to the tail.
- Small, terminal mouth: The mouth is located at the tip of the snout, with small teeth used for catching small invertebrates.
- Brightly colored scales: Bandfishes exhibit a variety of vibrant colors, often with bands or stripes along their bodies.
Environment and Behavior
Cepolidae are typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. They are commonly found in shallow to moderate depths, often near coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and seagrass meadows. Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates, which they capture with their small, terminal mouths.
Bandfishes are generally solitary creatures, although they may sometimes form small aggregations. They are often seen hovering near the bottom or swimming in mid-water, using their long dorsal fins for stability and maneuverability.
Species
There are approximately 22 recognized species of bandfishes within the Cepolidae family, distributed across five genera:
- Cepola
- Acanthocepola
- Oxycepola
- Diplophos
- Sphagebranchus
References
For more information on Cepolidae, you can refer to the following reliable sources: