Caraibops trispinosus (Mochizuki & Sano, 1984)
Threespine bass
photo by Duarte, L.O.

Family:  Synagropidae (Splitfin ocean-basses)
Max. size:  11.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 36 - 550 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: from NE Gulf fof Mexico to Suriname.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. This species is distinguished by having an elongate body, slender head; clearly separated first and second dorsal fins; pelvic spines with anterior edge distinctly serrated; anterior edge of second spine of first dorsal and anal fin smooth; A III; D1 XIII; 46-51 pored lateral line scales; weakly serrated posterior margin of preoperculum; both jaws with a single row of teeth; canines long, sharp, well separated; upper jaw with 3-4 prominent fanglike teeth anterior to the vomer and without large canines on premaxillary; lower jaw with 2 small canines at front, followed by 3-5 large canines; 2 canines on vomer; villiform teeth on palatine (Ref. 80062).
Biology:  Encountered near the surface at night.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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