Toothed Whiptail

Interesting Info

• The Toothed Whiptail is a deep-sea rattail found off southern Australia and New Zealand, where it lives on continental slopes and rises.
• It is the only species in its genus, making it a true “one-of-a-kind” whiptail.
• Adults usually grow 40–60 cm (16–24 in), but the largest can reach 1 m (3.3 ft) long, with most of that length being tail.
• The common name “toothed” comes from the small, comb-like teeth along its snout, which help it sift through sand and mud for food.
• It is silvery to grey-brown in colour, with a large head, bulbous eyes, and a long tapering tail typical of grenadiers.
• Its eyes are especially adapted for dim light, helping it survive in the bathyal zone hundreds of metres below the surface.
• This species lives between 200–1,000 m (650–3,300 ft) deep, often over muddy or sandy slopes.
• The Toothed Whiptail feeds on small crustaceans, worms, molluscs, and fish, and is also known to scavenge.
• Its lateral line system is highly sensitive, detecting the slightest vibrations from prey in the darkness.
• Very little is known about its reproduction, but like most whiptails, it likely spawns by releasing eggs into open water, where larvae drift before settling.
• The lifespan of this species is not confirmed, but similar grenadiers can live more than 20 years.
• Predators may include larger rattails, deep-sea sharks, and big benthic fishes like toothfish.
• The Toothed Whiptail is sometimes caught in deep-sea trawls, making it one of the better-known rattails from the region.
• Other common names include the Javelin Fish, reflecting its spear-like snout.