Viperfish
Image: NOAA Okeanos Explorer (Public domain)
NameViperfish
Scientific NameChauliodus sp.
Common NamesViperfish, Deep-sea Viperfish, Pacific Viperfish
FamilyStomiidae
OriginGlobal deep oceans, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)1000000
Max Size (Inches)24
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)34-40
pH Range7.8-8.2
Description
Viperfish are fearsome deep-sea predators characterized by their large, fang-like teeth and bioluminescent organs (photophores) along their bodies. They possess an elongated dorsal fin ray tipped with a photophore, used as a lure in the dark abyss. These fish inhabit the bathyal and abyssal zones of oceans worldwide, where they hunt other fish and crustaceans.
