Centrolophus

Centrolophus is a genus of fishes in the family Centrolophidae, commonly known as medusafish or rumbas. The genus contains a single species, Centrolophus niger, also known as the black rumba or rudderfish. This species is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the British Isles to South Africa, and also in the Mediterranean Sea.

Centrolophus niger is a moderately sized fish, typically reaching lengths of up to 1.2 meters. It has a laterally compressed body with a long dorsal fin and a forked tail fin. The coloration is generally dark, ranging from black to dark brown, with a silvery sheen. Juveniles are often lighter in color and may have distinct markings.

These fish are pelagic, meaning they inhabit the open ocean. They are often found in association with floating objects, such as seaweed or debris, and are sometimes seen in larger aggregations, particularly during their migratory periods. The diet of Centrolophus niger consists mainly of small fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are predatory and hunt by ambushing their prey.

Centrolophus niger is not considered a commercially important species, although it is sometimes caught as bycatch in fisheries targeting other species. Its flesh is edible, but its availability and popularity vary regionally. Information on its reproduction and life cycle is relatively limited, reflecting its less frequent encounters with human observation compared to more commercially targeted fish.