Teleostei (teleosts) >
Beryciformes (Sawbellies) >
Melamphaidae (Bigscale fishes or ridgeheads)
Etymology: Melamphaes: Greek, melan, -anos = black + Greek, amphi = both side (Ref. 45335).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 800 m (Ref. 36655), usually 150 - 200 m (Ref. 6747). Deep-water; 40°N - 40°S (Ref. 117121)
Indo-Pacific and Atlantic: in tropical and subtropical waters. Southeast Pacific: Chile (Ref. 9068). South China Sea (Ref.74511).
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 2.5, range 2 - 2.9 cm
Max length : 3.1 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 137577)
Adults found mainly below 150-200 m (Ref. 6747). Larvae and juveniles primarily found in depths as shallow as 35-40 m (Ref. 36655). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 36655). Collections were done mainly by using nonclosing nets (Ref. 117121).
Ebeling, A.W., 1986. Melamphaidae. p. 427-432. In M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra (eds.) Smiths' sea fishes. Springer-Verlag, Berlin. (Ref. 4241)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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