Diaphus watasei Jordan & Starks, 1904
Watases lanternfish
photo by Dubosc, J.

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Diaphinae
Max. size:  17 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 2005 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: east African continental shelf south of about 2°S, west coast of Madagascar and off Japan. Also recorded from Indonesia and northwestern Australia (Ref. 5978). South China Sea and East China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-15
Biology:  Pseudoceanic, found over continental shelves and slopes (Ref. 4066). Mesopelagic species (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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