Odondebuenia
Odondebuenia is a genus of deep-sea fish in the family Alepocephalidae. The genus contains only one species, *Odondebuenia balboae*, which is commonly known as the Boarfish or Boar’s Tooth Fish. It is a distinctive fish that is characterized by its large, pointed teeth and its elongated, slender body.
Characteristics
Odondebuenia balboae is a small fish, typically reaching a maximum length of around 18 centimeters (7 inches). Its body is elongated and compressed, with a large head and a pointed snout. The most striking feature of the Boarfish is its dentition. The teeth are large, sharp, and pointed, resembling the tusks of a boar. The fish has several rows of teeth in its jaws, as well as a single row of teeth on the roof of its mouth. The eyes are large and located high on the head. The body is covered in small scales, and the color is typically silver or gray. Boarfish are known to be bioluminescent, with a distinctive light organ on the lower jaw that glows brightly.
Environment
Odondebuenia balboae is a bathypelagic fish, meaning that it lives in the deep waters of the ocean. It is typically found at depths of 500 to 1,000 meters (1,600 to 3,300 feet). The Boarfish is a carnivorous fish, feeding on a variety of smaller fish and invertebrates. It is a solitary fish, rarely seen in groups. The species has been found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans, particularly in the mid-latitude areas.
References
- Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, Eds. (2023). "Odondebuenia balboae" in FishBase. February 2023 version.https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Odondebuenia-balboae.html
- Nelson, J. S. (2006). Fishes of the World. 4th Edition. John Wiley & Sons. 601 pp.
- Cohen, D. M. (2008). Alepocephalidae. In: Carpenter, K. E. and Niem, V. H. (eds.). FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The living marine resources of the Western Central Pacific. Volume 4: Bony fishes part 2 (Mugilidae to Carangidae). FAO, Rome. pp. 1982-1990.