| Family: |
Trachichthyidae (Slimeheads) |
| Max. size: |
51.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 250 - 400 m |
| Distribution: |
South Pacific: sub-tropical and temperate latitudes of the Tasman and South Fiji Basins; SE Australian slopes on the west to the outer Bay of Plenty and southern Kermadec Ridge at the north end of the North Island in New Zealand in the east. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 3-10. This species is distinguished by the following characters: 15 pectoral-fin rays, rarely 13, 14 or 16; 18-21 total gill rakers on outer side of first arch; 9-12 abdominal scutes, some scutes in large individuals with multiple apical points; 16-22 predorsal scales; isthmus lacking scales; body scales adherent; lateral–line scales with strong medial ridge, but no spine in small and medium sized adults, with strong spine centrally on posterior margin in large adults; scales on predorsal midline forming low raised ridge; body ovoid and deep, depth 1.9-2.1 in SL; nape gently curved, forehead almost straight to above upper lip; dorsal- and anal-fin spines of moderate thickness; body of adults grey, superimposed with deep red in life, outer margin of all fins with narrow black edge in adults; buccal cavity and opercular recess black, vomer, margins of mouth roof lateral to palatines, underside of tongue and upper surface of lower jaw stark white (Ref. 92805). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits continental slopes, seamounts and submarine rises with collection depths recorded between about 140 and 760 m, but most often 250-400 m (Ref. 92805). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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