| Family: |
Bathylagidae (Deep-sea smelts) |
| Max. size: |
20 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 1700 m |
| Distribution: |
Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: widely distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. Eastern Pacific: California Current region (Ref. 35604). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-23; Vertebrae: 48-54. More than two eyes; anal fin base longer than caudal peduncle; swim bladder absent; branchiostegal rays, two on each side; pectoral fins originating close to ventral surface of the body. Head and body black when fresh; scale pocket markings jet black (Ref. 13608). Branchiostegal rays: 2 (Ref. 35604). Also Ref. 41299. |
| Biology: |
Mesopelagic, perhaps with diel migration (Ref. 58302). Usually caught singly, but also in small aggregations (Ref. 6345). Feed on plankton (Ref. 6345). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35604). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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