{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "viperfish",
  "name": "Viperfish",
  "scientificName": "Chauliodus sloani",
  "category": "Fish",
  "summary": "The Sloane's viperfish (Chauliodus sloani) is a fang-toothed deep-sea predator with a hinged skull for swallowing large prey. Adults reach 30 cm and are Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Actinopterygii",
    "order": "Stomiiformes",
    "family": "Stomiidae",
    "genus": "Chauliodus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 0.03,
    "lengthM": 0.3,
    "topSpeedKmh": 3,
    "lifespanYears": 10
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Chauliodus sloani"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "8–12 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "0.02–0.05 kg"
    },
    {
      "label": "Top speed",
      "value": "up to 3 km/h"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Deep oceans worldwide.",
    "continents": [
      "North America",
      "Europe",
      "Asia",
      "Africa",
      "Oceania"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/viperfish/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/viperfish/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}