Rihmakalat

Rihmakalat, also known as ribbonfish, are a family of marine fish belonging to the order Ateleopodiformes. The family contains a single genus, Ateleopus, and typically comprises a few recognized species, though classification can be debated among ichthyologists. These fish are characterized by their elongated, ribbon-like bodies, which can give them a sinuous appearance as they swim. Their coloration is generally silvery or dusky, often with fins that are darker.

Rihmakalat are found in the deep waters of the world's oceans, inhabiting the mesopelagic and bathyal zones. They are demersal or benthopelagic, meaning they live close to the seabed or in the water column just above it. Their diet is thought to consist of small invertebrates and possibly other small fish, which they likely ambush or forage for in their deep-sea environment. Due to their deep-sea habitat, rihmakalat are not commonly encountered by humans and are rarely seen at the surface.

Very little is known about the reproductive behavior, lifespan, or specific ecological role of rihmakalat. Their elusive nature and habitat make them difficult to study. They are not commercially fished and are generally considered of no significant economic importance. While some species may be occasionally caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawls, they are not a target species for any fishery. Their rarity and the limited scientific data available mean that much about rihmakalat remains a mystery to marine biologists.