| Family: |
Microstomatidae (Pencil smelts) |
| Max. size: |
24.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1400 m |
| Distribution: |
North Atlantic: off southern Iceland eastward and southward to about 35°N. One record is from western Greenland and two are from North America to 40°N. Western Indian Ocean: South Africa, near Zanzibar, and Maldives (Ref. 26165). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 42-45. Adults silvery. Ventral fins inserted ahead of dorsal fin. Dorsal fin inserted in front of the midpoint of the body. Stomachs and peritoneum coated with dark pigment (Ref. 37473). Branchiostegal rays 3. Pyloric caeca 7-8. |
| Biology: |
Spawns mainly in spring and early summer. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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