Epigonus ctenolepis Mochizuki & Shirakihara, 1983
Epigonus ctenolepis
photo by Okamoto, M.

Family:  Epigonidae (Deepwater cardinalfishes)
Max. size:  10 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 100 - 1200 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Kumanonada Sea, Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 25-25. Well-developed opercular spine present. Body is noticeably flattened laterally, its greatest width is 70-80 percent of greatest depth. Length of the second spine on the first dorsal fin is 23-26 percent of head length (Ref. 31632). Eighth rib below tenth vertebra absent. Ctenoid scales on lateral line; about 12-14 transverse scales below lateral line. Eyes large, oval; mouth oblique (Ref. 35777).
Biology:  A mesobenthic-pelagic species living mainly above the bottom (Ref. 31632). Found on or near continental slopes and seamounts.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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