Lampris
Lampris is a genus of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Lampridae. Commonly known as “opah” or “moonfish,” these fish are characterized by their unique features and striking appearance. They are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world, inhabiting both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Lampris species are known for their vibrant coloration, large size, and distinctive flattened bodies.
Common Names
Lampris species are known by a variety of common names depending on their location and language. Some of the most common include:
- Opah
- Moonfish
- Kingfish
- Sunfish
- Guerrero
Characteristics
Lampris species share a number of distinctive characteristics, including:
- Flattened, disc-shaped body: Their bodies are laterally compressed, resembling a disc or a plate.
- Bright coloration: They are known for their vibrant coloration, with a combination of red, orange, and yellow hues.
- Large size: They can grow to impressive sizes, with some species reaching lengths of up to 2 meters.
- Unique gill structure: They possess a unique gill structure that allows them to maintain a higher body temperature than surrounding waters, an adaptation that enables them to swim in colder waters.
- Large, prominent eyes: Their large eyes suggest they are visual predators.
- Short, rounded snout: They have a short, rounded snout with a small, toothless mouth.
- Scaleless skin: Their skin is smooth and scaleless, providing a low-friction surface for efficient swimming.
Environment
Lampris species inhabit temperate and tropical waters worldwide, typically found in the epipelagic zone (the upper layer of the ocean) and mesopelagic zone (the middle layer). They are considered pelagic fish, meaning they live in the open ocean rather than near the bottom.
References
For further information on Lampris, consult the following reliable sources: