Whalefishes and Relatives: Stephanoberyciformes

Physical characteristics: The skin of hairyfish is covered in hairlike outgrowths. These fish have huge pelvic fins that are located near the fish's throat and stick up like wings. The tail fin is divided into two distinct parts that overlap. The single dorsal fin is located far toward the rear of the body. The anal (AY-nuhl) fin is on the belly directly below the dorsal fin. The fish is dark brown.

Geographic range: Only one hairyfish has been caught, and that was in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean.

Habitat: The only known hairyfish was caught at the surface.

Diet: Animal plankton was found in the stomach of the only known hairyfish. Plankton are microscopic plants and, in this case, animals drifting in water.

Only one hairyfish has been caught, and that was in the eastern part of the Atlantic Ocean. (Illustration by Brian Cressman. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: Scientists do not know anything about the behavior and reproduction of hairyfish.

Hairyfish and people: Hairyfish have no known importance to people.

Conservation status: Hairyfish are not threatened or endangered. ∎