Deep-sea discovery

Melbourne Museum's Ichthyology Section recently received a Redvelvet Whalefish, Barbourisia rufa.

Redvelvet Whalefishes are rare deep-sea fishes found throughout the world’s oceans. Larvae of this species live in the top 200 metres of the ocean, whereas juveniles are thought to live in the ocean mid-waters between 200 and 1100 metres. Adults, which reach about 40 cm in length, live and feed near the bottom in deep water.

While its common name comes from the enormous mouth and ‘whale-shaped’ body, the fish’s most striking feature is its brick-red coloration, which even extends inside the mouth. Hundreds of tiny felt-like teeth line their huge jaws, and it is thought that these fishes feed on small crustaceans. Although the body appears naked, the soft flabby skin is actually covered with scales, each with a tiny spine that gives the surface a velvety feel.

Another amazing feature of the Redvelvet Whalefish is the large lateral line canal which runs along the body. This broad, tube-like sensory organ enables the fish to detect water movements, vibrations and perhaps even temperature changes. The canal contains sensory organs with hair-like cilia which are stimulated by the movement of other animals in the water.

This beautiful marine specimen was collected in Western Bass Strait by the FV ‘Empress Pearl,’ a commercial boat owned by David Guillot. Commercial fishers often catch rare or poorly-known deep-sea fishes and our Museum ichthyologists are delighted that this specimen was sent to the Museum via Victorian Fisheries. Such specimens make wonderful additions to our research collection.