Himantolophus cornifer Bertelsen & Krefft, 1988

Family:  Himantolophidae (Footballfishes)
Max. size:  20.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1900 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Natal, South Africa. Also known from the western and central Pacific and northwestern and central Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-5; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Distinguishing characteristics of metamorphosed female: length of illicium 29-35% SL; each primary branch of distal escal appendage with posterior side branch situated near base; length of distal escal appendage increasing from 9% SL in 2.7 cm specimens to 54% SL in 5.2 cm specimen and 72% SL in 9 cm specimen; posterior side branch of distal escal appendage length increasing from 4.3% SL in 2.7 cm specimens to 30% SL in 5.2-9 cm specimens; distal escal appendage lacking small dermal spinules (Ref. 86949).
Biology:  Males unknown (Ref. 40877). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018. Most recent record was from 29°25'S that was recovered from the stomach of a beached sperm whale (Ref. 85522).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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