Hyperoplus

Hyperoplus is a genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Macrouridae, commonly known as grenadiers or rattails. These deep-sea dwelling fish are characterized by their elongated bodies and relatively small eyes, a feature common to many deep-sea fishes. They are found in various oceans around the world, typically inhabiting depths between 200 and 2000 meters.

Great sandeel – Hyperoplus lanceolatus

Common Names

While the scientific name Hyperoplus is the most widely used identifier, these fish are also known by several common names, including:

  • Grenadier
  • Rattail
  • Deep-sea cod

Characteristics

Hyperoplus species share several distinctive characteristics, including:

  • Elongated body: Their bodies are significantly longer than they are tall, giving them a snake-like appearance.
  • Small eyes: Due to their deep-sea habitat, their eyes are relatively small, as vision is less important in the darkness of the deep ocean.
  • Barbels: They possess barbels, sensory appendages near their mouths, which help them detect prey in the murky depths.
  • Long dorsal fin: Their dorsal fin runs almost the entire length of their body, a feature typical of grenadiers.

Environments

Hyperoplus species are primarily found in the deep ocean, inhabiting the bathyal and abyssal zones, which are characterized by low light levels, high pressure, and cold temperatures. They are often found near the bottom of the ocean floor, foraging for food in the sediment or along the seabed.

References