Family: |
Neoscopelidae (Blackchins) |
Max. size: |
20 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 400 - 1830 m, oceanodromous |
Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: 6°N to 34°S. Probably Somalia (Ref. 30573). Western Pacific. Eastern Pacific: southern California, USA to Chile. Western Atlantic: off Venezuela (Ref. 6690) and Guianas (Ref. 13608). Eastern Atlantic: Morocco to Angola; one record from South Africa (Ref. 6604). South China Sea and East China Sea (Ref.74511). |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Uniform brown in color, mouth and belly darker (Ref. 6604). Branchiostegal rays: 8 (Ref. 36062). Lacks luminous organs and a gas bladder (Ref. 36062). |
Biology: |
High-oceanic and bathypelagic (Ref. 6604). Adults usually found below about 1,000 m, but juveniles found between 500-800 m. No evidence of vertical migration (Ref. 6604). Feed mainly on small crustaceans. Sexually mature from about 15.2 cm (Ref. 4525). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36062). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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