Butterfly Kingfish

Max length : 164 cm FL male/unsexed

Occurs in deep oceanic waters, most abundant in waters of 8° to 10°C. Stomach contents of the specimen from north of the Hawaiian Archipelago include onychoteuthids, ommastrephid squid, vertebrae and fin rays from an unidentified fish, bird feathers and parasitic nematodes. Taken as longline by-catch by Japanese fishing for Thunnus maccoyii.

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 11 - 13; Vertebrae: 44. Pelvic fins enormous in juveniles, longer than head length. Pelvic fins fitting into a deep ventral groove at all sizes. Interpelvic process tiny and bifid. No anterior corselet. Swim bladder present with two anterior projections that extend into the back of the skull. The morphological adaptations required for maintaining high brain and retinal temperatures.

Summary of Distribution: Circumglobal in southern temperate waters.
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)