| Family: |
Gonostomatidae (Bristlemouths) |
| Max. size: |
7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 2.7 g |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 1200 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Atlantic: Rockall Trough, rare north of Gulf of Cadiz, Spain (Ref. 4769); Canary Islands to Gulf of Guinea (Ref. 4463). Western Atlantic: in tropical waters. Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951). Indian Ocean: in tropical waters. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-20; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 28-31. Silvery operculum and peritoneum; tail translucent ventrally; dorsal and caudal rays pigmented (Ref. 3991). Single row of body photophores (Ref. 37473). |
| Biology: |
Mesopelagic species, showing marked stratification of size with depth, with the largest individuals deepest (Ref. 4869); also bathypelagic (Ref. 5951). Exhibits diel color change, darkening slightly at night (Ref. 4769). Feeds on zooplankton. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 May 2012 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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