Classification / Names
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Teleostei (teleosts) >
Beryciformes (Sawbellies) >
Melamphaidae (Bigscale fishes or ridgeheads)
Etymology: Melamphaes: Greek, melan, -anos = black + Greek, amphi = both side (Ref. 45335); xestoachidus: The species name xestoachidus comes from Greek "smooth spined" and indicates the absence of a spur on the haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra (Ref. 87971).
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 2400 - 3450 m (Ref. 87971). Deep-water
Northwestern Pacific Ocean, eastwards of the Kurils Islands.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 8.7 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 87971)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
The species is characterized by 22–23 rakers on the first gill arch, 30 vertebrae (12 abdominal vertebrae), the haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra is without a spur; D III 14–15; P 16; seven soft rays in the ventral fin; ventral fin starts from the vertical line of the posterior margin of the pectoral fin basement; the anal fin starts from the vertical line of the last ray of the dorsal fin; eight scales are on the operculum (Ref. 87971).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Kotlyar, A.N., 2011. Revision of genus Melamphaes (Melamphaidae). I. Multi-raker species: M. lugubris, M. xestoachidus sp. nova, M. microps, M. manifestus sp. nova. J. Ichthyol. 51(8):557-568. (Ref. 87971)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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