Ribbonfish are fish species that have fascinated anglers and marine enthusiasts for generations. These interesting creatures belong to the Trachipteridae family which contains three genera: Trachipterus, Desmodema, and Zu.
Ribbonfish live at the depths of the sea and are known for their distinctive elongated, ribbon-like appearance.
Appearance
The Ribbonfish is known for its striking appearance that distinguishes it in the marine environment. They have compressed, elongated bodies and range in size between 5 to 8 feet. They are named for their characteristic ribbon-like body.
They are typically grey or bright silver in color, and have a short head and a dorsal fin that runs down all through the length of their back. They have spines along their lateral lines and numerous lumps in their skin.
They have small pectoral fins, upward-pointing caudal fins, and lack anal fins. Their pelvic fins are composed of several rays or one long ray. They have large eyes and a narrow protrusible mouth, which they use for capturing prey.
Ribbonfish Genera
The three genera of Ribbonfish exhibit unique characteristics and appearances.
- Trachipterus: Often called Dealfish, they have long, ribbon-like pectoral fins which reduce with age and a prominent crest on their heads when young. Their dorsal fin runs the length of their body, and their caudal fin is often reduced or absent.
- Desmodema: These Ribbonfish are easily recognized by their strongly compressed body which narrows into a whip-like tail. They are smaller than other genera and possess a more rounded body shape. There are only two recognized species in this genus: Whiptail Ribbonfish and Polka-Dont Ribbonfish.
- Zu: Also known as Scalloped Ribbonfish, they have a serrated dorsal fin that resembles a row of tiny teeth. They are generally darker in color and have a less elongated body shape than other genera.
Habitat
Ribbonfish occur in all major oceans of the world in both warm temperate and tropical waters. They can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Ribbonfish live in the pelagic zone of their habitat, which means that they are found in the open sea. They prefer deep water zones between 330 to 1,640 feet (100 – 500 m). They are not common in shallower coastal waters, which is why they are rarely ever spotted by humans.
Diet
Due to their deep-sea-dwelling nature, their diet remains largely a mystery. However, based on the examination of stomach contents from stranded specimens, scientists believe they are opportunistic feeders.
Their diet likely consists of small fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods encountered in their deep-sea habitat. Their sharp teeth and narrow mouths suggest they primarily feed on smaller prey. Further research is needed to fully understand the feeding habits and dietary preferences of these enigmatic creatures.
Reproduction
Similar to most deep-sea creatures, their reproductive behavior is not completely explored. These creatures are assumed to be pelagic spawners, meaning they release eggs and sperm into the open water, where fertilization occurs externally.
The larvae are thought to be planktonic, drifting and developing in the water column before eventually transitioning to their adult form and descending to deeper depths.
The specific timing and details of their spawning behavior remain a subject of ongoing research.
Conservation
The conservation status of Ribbonfish is not well-defined due to the lack of data on their populations and life cycles. As deep-sea dwellers, they are rarely seen at the surface of the water and are not typically targeted by commercial fisheries, but they may be caught as bycatch. Potential threats to their populations include habitat degradation, climate change, and pollution.
Folklore: The Myth of the “Earthquake Fish”
In Japanese folklore, certain deep-sea fish, including several species of Ribbonfish, are believed to be harbingers of earthquakes. This association has led to the nickname “earthquake fish.” These beliefs stem from the observation that these fish, which typically inhabit the deep ocean, are sometimes found stranded on beaches or in shallow waters before or after seismic events.
While there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Ribbonfish can predict earthquakes, the myth persists, adding to the mystery surrounding these rarely-seen creatures. It’s important to note that the term “earthquake fish” can also refer to the Oarfish, a distinct but similar-looking fish species often mistaken for Ribbonfish.
Facts About Ribbonfish
- Young Ribbonfish have extraordinarily long fin rays.
- They are rarely seen alive due to their deep-sea dwelling nature.
- Some species are called “dealfish” in English and “vogmær” in Icelandic.
- They have spines along their lateral lines and lumps on their skin.
- One species, Trachipterus ishikawae, is called the “earthquake fish” in Taiwan due to a belief that they appear after earthquakes.
FAQs
Are Ribbonfish and Beltfish the same?
The names of both species are derived from their elongated bodies, with Beltfish resembling the shape of a tape or belt. However, aside from their physical resemblance, they belong to different families, with Beltfish being part of the Trichiuridae family, while Ribbonfish belong to the Trachipteridae family.
Are Ribbonfish aggressive?
Ribbonfish, also known as Atlantic cutlassfish or “silver eels,” are indeed aggressive. They have a reputation for being fierce both in and out of the water, known to damage fishing gear and put up a strong fight. Their slender, blade-like bodies and sharp teeth are well-suited for their predatory nature.
Why are Ribbonfish shiny?
Ribbonfish are shiny due to the reflective properties of their skin. This shininess is caused by stacked layers of crystalline organic compounds within the cytoplasm of their skin cells. Unlike some organisms with a metallic sheen that have regularly stacked layers, ribbonfish have a more random or “chaotic” stacking pattern, contributing to their unique reflective appearance.
