Larval Scalloped Ribbonfish

Photographs of many fish species reveal long, filamentous fins. Often during net collection these appendages are damaged beyond recognition, meaning these photographs reveal the first glimpse at the entire fish. Here is a picture of a larval scalloped ribbonfish (Zu cristatus). The similarity between the filamentous fins and the tentacles of jellyfish lead scientists to believe the fins serve some form of mimicry. Looking like a venomous jellyfish would certainly make a hungry predator think twice before taking a bite.

“These ribbonfish larvae, Zu cristatus, were very rare until this year, when for some reason they have been spotted more frequently. They are so graceful with all their trailing fin rays.”- Linda Ianniello