Macropinna

Common card · No. 266979

The Pacific barreleye fish (Macropinna) is a genus of ray-finned fish belonging to Opisthoproctidae, the barreleye family. It contains one species, M. microstoma. It is recognized for a highly unusual transparent, fluid-filled shield on its head, through which the vivid green lenses of its eyes can be seen. It was originally believed that the tubular eyes of this fish were fixed in place, offering only tunnel vision above its head. However, in 2008, scientists discovered that its eyes were able to rotate both up and forward within its transparent dome. This feature allows for M. microstoma to observe prey while keeping its eyes protected from stinging tentacles of jellyfish-like organisms it feeds on. M. microstoma, a small fish of about 15 cm, has a tiny mouth and most of its body is covered in large scales. The fish normally hangs nearly motionless in the water, at a depth of about 600 metres (2,000 ft) to 800 metres (2,600 ft) in the mesopelagic zone, using its large fins for stability...

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