Facts: The Jellynose Fish

Jellynose fish can be distinguished by their gelatinous noses and scaleless, tapered bodies. They inhabit the deep ocean from around 100 ft to 2600 ft deep. They are rarely seen and not well studied. About 12 species are known. Their elongated bodies have reduced pelvic fins. The snout overhangs the mouth. Small teeth may be present. They are generally light brown to purple brown in color. Jellynoses are widely distributed in the temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They have no swim bladder and their gelatinous bodies have very little muscle. Their skeleton is largely cartilaginous. Jellynose fish swim just above the bottom of the seafloor. They feed on benthic invertebrates. They can grow over 6 ft long. Jellynoses have no commercial value. For more marine facts, click the SUBSCRIBE button!!