| Family: |
Microstomatidae (Pencil smelts) |
| Max. size: |
26.6 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 865 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Pacific: southern region of California Current south of 35°N. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 43-46. Branchiostegal rays 4. Predorsal length greater than 49% SL. Caudal peduncle length greater than 13% SL; depth less than 8% SL in specimens more than 3 cm (Ref. 5123). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found in continental slope regions. Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35612). Larvae and juveniles pelagic in the upper 200-m layer and more broadly distributed than adults (Ref. 5123). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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