Species learning profile
Barreleye
Macropinna microstoma
Barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) is a saltwater fish associated with deep sea habitat in North Pacific. Tubular eyes rotate inside a transparent fluid-filled shield.
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At a glance
- Agua
- Agua salada
- Habitat
- Mar profundo
- Longitud máxima
- 15 cm
- Distribución
- North Pacific
- Familia
- Opisthoproctidae
- Orden
- Argentiniformes
Observe
How to identify Barreleye
- Tubular eyes rotate inside a transparent fluid-filled shield.
- Guide context: deep sea habitat in North Pacific.
- Reported maximum length: 15 cm — roughly ruler-length. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with deep sea habitat across North Pacific. Food is scarce and sunlight is absent or faint, favoring energy-saving movement and specialized senses.
Behavior
Hovers precisely beneath drifting gelatinous animals
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Small crustaceans and siphonophore prey.
Ecological role
A visual specialist in dim midwater.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Barreleye puede medir unos 15 cm y suele encontrarse cerca de Mar profundo.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Deep-sea animals often grow slowly, and recovery can be difficult after habitat disturbance or heavy fishing.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Barreleye in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections