Scopelosaurus smithii Bean, 1925
Scopelosaurus smithii
photo by JAMARC

Family:  Notosudidae (Waryfishes)
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 50 - 815 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: off Madeira and at 20°N 30°W. Western Atlantic: 34°N to 20°S, with some larval drift up to 40°N. Elsewhere, Indian and Pacific Oceans between 20°N and 30°S.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 17-19; Vertebrae: 53-56. Blackish on head and back; paler below (Ref. 6602). No distinct black spot surrounding anus (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Larvae are epipelagic, young inhabit the layers between 50-200 m, adults benthopelagic and found deeper than 500 m over continental and insular slopes (Ref. 6552, 6602). Mesopelagic (Ref. 58302). Feeds mainly on zooplankton. Extensive migrations by juveniles and adults, probably for feeding in the subtropical belts. Spawning occurs in tropical waters, especially in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean (Ref. 6689).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 July 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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