| Etmopteridae (Lantern sharks) |
| 33.6 cm TL (male/unsexed); 39 cm TL (female) |
|
pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 472 - 792 m |
| Western Indian Ocean: Mozambique. |
|
Vertebrae: 84-90. This relatively small, slender species of linear-denticled Etmopterus can be separated from its closest congeners within the E. lucifer clade by a combination of characteristics: length of its anterior flank markings being much shorter than its posterior branch; black flank markings sharply demarcated by surrounding lighter to whitish lateral markings; prominent white spot on each cheek; a single white stripe extending the length of the midback; 2 parallel rows of prominent dark pores extending between pectoral and pelvic fins; its closest geographic congener E. sculptus has its anterior branch longer than its posterior branch, with a thinner posterior flank marking, 0.2-0.4% (vs. 0.6-0.9% TL in E. alphus), a higher spiral valve count 8-9 (vs. 5-7 in E. alphus); it differs from its closest morphological congener, the Australasian E. molleri by its shorter anterior (6.0-10.6% vs. 8.0-11.5% TL) and posterior (9.3-12.7% vs. 11.0-15.4% TL) flank-marking branches, biogeography and genetics (Ref. 112348). |
|
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 April 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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