Oreosoma atlanticum, also known as the ox-eyed oreo, is a species of oreo found in oceanic deep waters. It is the only known member of its genus. Although adults are more similar in shape to other oreos, the juveniles have a distinctive plating/armor in their skin, which is spiked and probably makes them harder to eat for any hostile creature. Adults lack that plating, and, as other oreos, they have a protractile mouth and very large eyes, with small scales.
This species grows to a length of 21 cm (8.3 in). The adults are deep bodied and laterally compressed with a strongly humped back They have a small head with large eyes.[1]
The juveniles are dark grey or black in colour with rounded white blotches. Their fins are translucent. They have a rounded stomach with two rows of cone-shaped protrusions. The have another four rows of similar protrusions along their backs. These projections make them highly distinctive.[1]
This species is found at depths of 220 to 1,550 m (720 to 5,090 ft).[1]
Media related to Oreosoma atlanticum at Wikimedia CommonsOreosoma atlanticum, also known as the ox-eyed oreo, is a species of oreo found in oceanic deep waters. It is the only known member of its genus. Although adults are more similar in shape to other oreos, the juveniles have a distinctive plating/armor in their skin, which is spiked and probably makes them harder to eat for any hostile creature. Adults lack that plating, and, as other oreos, they have a protractile mouth and very large eyes, with small scales.
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