Lotella
Lotella is a genus of cod-like fish belonging to the family Moridae, commonly known as rattails. These fish are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and are characterized by their elongated bodies, with a pointed head and a long, tapering tail. Lotella species are typically deep-sea dwellers, inhabiting the continental slopes and abyssal plains. Their diet consists mainly of crustaceans and other small invertebrates. They are of moderate commercial importance, with some species targeted for consumption and others used as fishmeal.
Common Names
Common names for Lotella species include:
- Rattail
- Grenadier
- Codling
- Deepwater cod
Characteristics
Lotella species exhibit the following characteristics:
- Elongated body: Their bodies are long and slender, tapering towards the tail.
- Pointed head: They have a distinct pointed head with a small mouth.
- Long, tapering tail: The tail is long and thin, often extending beyond the anal fin.
- Barbels: Some species have barbels, sensory appendages near the mouth, which help them detect prey.
- Small scales: Lotella species have small, embedded scales.
- Two dorsal fins: They possess two dorsal fins, the first of which is typically shorter than the second.
- One anal fin: Their anal fin is long and extends almost to the caudal fin.
Environments
Lotella species are predominantly found in deep-sea environments, typically inhabiting:
- Continental slopes
- Abyssal plains
- Oceanic trenches
They are generally found at depths ranging from 200 to 2,000 meters (656 to 6,562 feet).