Leptochilichthys pinguis (Vaillant, 1886)
Vaillant's smooth-head
Leptochilichthys pinguis
photo by SFSA

Family:  Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)
Max. size:  24.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 800 - 1400 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: off South Africa (Ref. 6599) and off Morocco. Western Indian Ocean: off South Africa and Saya-de-Malha Bank. Elsewhere, western tropical Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-21; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 14-18. Pelvic fins with short splint bone.
Biology:  Juveniles possibly mesopelagic to bathypelagic (Ref. 6558). Found on the continental slope (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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