Family Ptilichthyidae

by. Nolvyhindarto,S.Si_Encartablog_Animals

Quillfish

Selected Characters: Body very elongate and thin; caudal and pelvic fins absent; scales absent; 90 small isolated spines preceding dorsal fin.

There is only one species in this family, the very elongate Quillfish which grows to 33 cm long. This species is found in the northern Pacific. The Quillfish is sometimes sighted at the surface at night, particularly at lights; it is also found as stomach content of other fishes. Little is known about the daytime habits of the Quillfish. It may dwell at the bottom, possibly buried in substrate. Catching a glimpse of this secretive fish is a rare event in Puget Sound.

Species

Ptilichthys goodei Quillfish

Retrieved from:” http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/collections/ichthyology”