Neoepinnula orientalis (Gilchrist & von Bonde, 1924)
Sackfish
Neoepinnula orientalis
photo by CSIRO

Family:  Gempylidae (Snake mackerels)
Max. size:  30 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 200 - 570 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: off East Africa (Kenya to Natal, South Africa), Saya de Malha Bank, Arabian Sea; eastern North Indian Ocean, Flores, Banda, Arafura Sea, Sulawesi and Sulu seas, off Ryukyu Islands and southern Japan. Reported from Fiji and Tuvalu (Ref. 12596).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 17-17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 17-19. There are two lateral lines on the sides, both originating from above the upper angle of the gill opening. Overall color is greenish brown to dark brown. The buccal and branchial cavities are usually black.
Biology:  Feeds on small fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods (Ref. 30573). Matures at about 15 cm SL.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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