Ateleopus natalensis Regan, 1921
Jelly-head fish
Ateleopus natalensis
photo by Alvheim, O./Institute of Marine Research (IMR)

Family:  Ateleopodidae (Jellynose fishes)
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 145 - 660 m,
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea to the Cape, South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10. Greyish in color, fins blackish (Ref. 5528). Dissection shows pelvic fins to have 2 minute spines in front of the long ray, and variable number of vestigial spines and rays in skinny projection behind the long ray.
Biology:  Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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