Quick Facts
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