| Family: |
Bathylagidae (Deep-sea smelts) |
| Max. size: |
10.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 1500 m |
| Distribution: |
Pacific and Indian. Eastern Pacific: California Current region (Ref. 35604). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-18; Vertebrae: 41-46. Deep body, relatively slender toward the end of caudal peduncle; maximum body depth slightly anterior to origin of dorsal fin in specimens 6 - 10.45 cm SL and at the level of the pectoral fin base in smaller specimens. Pectoral fins short, far from reaching origin of dorsal fin. Radial grooves present in the hind part of operculum. Few gill rakers at the inner surface of epibranchial of the first gill arch (Ref. 33679). Branchiostegal rays: 2. |
| Biology: |
Undergoes daily vertical migrations, rising into the epipelagic zone during the night. Feeds mainly on zooplankton (Ref. 9875, 33698). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35604). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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