Acanthochaenus luetkenii Gill, 1884
Pricklefish
Acanthochaenus luetkenii
photo by SFSA

Family:  Stephanoberycidae (Pricklefishes)
Max. size:  15.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 1655 - 5397 m
Distribution:  Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: in subtropical and temperate waters (Ref. 50895). In the Indian Ocean known localities include the Madagascar Ridge (Ref. 51654) and the West Australian Ridge, Naturalist Plateau.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Body scales are spiny (Ref. 37108). Body elongated, almost cylindrical, somewhat compressed (Ref. 10920). The snout protrudes forward above upper jaw, its length 3.4-4.4 times in head length, eyes fairly small, upper jaw extends beyond the posterior border of the eye. Dorsal and anal fins are opposite one another (Ref. 10920).
Biology:  Adults probably benthopelagic (Ref. 51654). Larvae taken at 30 m (Ref. 51654). Benthic crabs Malacostraca were found in the stomachs of 3 specimens SL 8.5-9 cm from Madagascar Ridge (Ref. 10920).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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