Hygophum atratum (Garman, 1899)
Thickhead lanternfish
Hygophum atratum
photo by Briones-Mendoza, J.

Family:  Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Myctophinae
Max. size:  6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 600 - 3132 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: widely distributed in the area, from 30°N to 30°S. South China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 18-21; Vertebrae: 35-37. Branchiostegal rays: 8-9 (Ref. 31442).
Biology:  Epipelagic to mesopelagic, at surface at night (Ref. 31442). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 31442).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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