Channichthys velifer

Channichthys velifer, or the sail icefish, is a species of crocodile icefish endemic to the Kerguelen Plateau area of the Southern Ocean. This demersal species lives at depths of 125 to 150 m (410 to 492 ft).[1] It is described to have a light brownish-olive or grayish-olive color, with a white belly and dark spots on the caudal and dorsal fins forming brush-like patterns. The anal fins are whitish and dark brown spots are sometimes present. Preservation in formalin results in a reddish color. The granulation is moderate, and is better expressed in larger specimens. The dorsal fin membranes are high and there is a large number of dorsal fin rays, distinguishing it from similar Channichthys species (e.g. Channichthys rugosus). Furthermore, C.velifer has more pectoral fin rays than C.rugosus.[2] This species feeds on fishes and cephalopods [1] and is of no interest to commercial fisheries.[3]

Channichthys velifer
Illustration
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Channichthyidae
Genus:	Channichthys
Species:	C. velifer
Binomial name
Channichthys velifer E. E. Meisner, 1974