Kaiyomaru Whiptail

Coelorinchus Kaiyomaru
Kaiyomaru Whiptail - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Coelorinchus Kaiyomaru
Other names Campbell Whiptail
Size Up to 50 cm (20 in)
Weight Under 1.5 kg (3.3 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Deepsea waters amongst soft bottom areas on the continental slope
Depth Range 300 - 1,200 m (3,900 ft)
Kaiyomaru Whiptail Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Kaiyomaru Whiptail is found in Australian waters, specifically in the southern and eastern parts of the country, including the Tasman Sea and Great Australian Bight. This includes the deeper waters of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales.
  • They have a slender body with a distinct elongated tail, which gives it the name “whiptail.” They have large, forward-facing eyes and a mouth equipped with sharp teeth. Their coloration varies, ranging from shades of brown to reddish-brown, helping them blend in with their deep-sea environment.
  • They are opportunistic predators, Kaiyomaru Whiptails feed on a variety of prey items such as small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They use their sharp teeth to capture and consume their prey.
  • Due to their deep-sea habitat, Kaiyomaru Whiptails have minimal exposure to sunlight. This means they do not rely on photosynthesis and have adapted to survive in the darkness of the deep sea.
  • They have adapted to withstand the extreme pressures of the deep sea. Its body structure and physiological adaptations allow it to function effectively at great depths.
  • To cope with the scarcity of food in the deep sea, Kaiyomaru Whiptails have a slow metabolism. This allows them to survive with limited energy intake over extended periods.
  • The coloration and patterning of Kaiyomaru Whiptails help them blend into their deep-sea environment, providing camouflage and reducing the risk of predation.
  • These fish are known to have a complex reproductive behaviour. They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Breeding typically occurs during the summer months when water temperatures are favourable for successful egg development.
  • They are a long lived species with a lifespan up to 25 years.
Species Interaction

Commercial Fishing, Elusive Species

The Kaiyomaru Whiptail is not a target species for recreational or commercial fishing, it can occasionally be incidentally caught as bycatch in deep-sea fishing operations. Bycatch refers to the unintended capture of non-target species while fishing for other commercially valuable species. Due to the species’ deep-sea habitat, limited commercial value, and restricted range, direct human interactions with them are infrequent.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gadiformes

Family: Macrouridae

Genus: Coelorinchus

Species: Coelorinchus Kaiyomaru

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Kaiyomaru Whiptail in Australia is currently unknown. Due to its deep-sea habitat and limited interactions with human activities, it has not been extensively studied or evaluated for conservation concerns.

How to catch
Kaiyomaru Whiptail

Catch Difficulty: NA

Tackle: NA

Bait: NA

Technique: NA

Popularity: Not targeted - Commercial fishing bycatch

Elusive / Overlooked Species

Finding: Difficult

Temperament: Shy

Location: Deepsea

Danger: None