Sternoptyx obscura

photo by Reyes, P.

Family:	Sternoptychidae (Marine hatchetfishes), subfamily: Sternoptychinae
Max. size:	4.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	bathypelagic; marine; depth range 500 - 2700 m
Distribution:	Indo-Pacific: common in the Indian Ocean north of 15°S; reported to 30°S in the Indian Ocean east of 50°E. Also known from New Zealand (Ref. 5755) and west of the Ryukyu Islands (Ref. 559). Reported in Peru (Ref. 45845). South China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:	Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-13
Biology:	Mesopelagic species (Ref. 559). Also Ref. 58302.
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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