Anotopterus sp. (2008)

Anotopterus sp.
Anotopterus sp. (2008)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Aulopiformes
Family:	Anotopteridae
Genus:	Anotopterus
Species:	[not formally described]

Anotopterus sp. (2008) is a species of daggertooth discovered in the New Zealand Antarctic Ocean, at 71°S, and is one of the southernmost daggertooth specimens caught. Its golden luster and sapphire blue eyes are exquisite, but the colors fade quickly when the fish is removed from its habitat. The specimen found measured 50 cm and was only half grown. The fish paralyzes its prey by sinking its teeth into the flesh and then pulling backwards.

The fish's iridescent gold color and sapphire blue eyes fade quickly upon death, but this timely photograph captures these colors. The teeth are forward-curving for a specialized hunting technique.

References

Stewart, Andrew. "Science report: Denizens of the deep: daggertooth and stareater." NZ IPY-CAML Voyage 2008. Ministry of Fisheries. Crown Copyright: 2008.