Pteraclis aesticola (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
Pacific fanfish
Pteraclis aesticola
photo by NMFS/PIRO Observer Programs

Family:  Bramidae (Pomfrets)
Max. size:  61 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 100 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Pacific: Japan (Ref. 559) and South Korea (Ref. 77001). Eastern Pacific: rare off California, USA.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 46-55; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 40-43. Dorsal and anal fins very high. Dorsal fin inserted above middle of snout, the fin reaching a little behind the caudal fin base, the 4th ray much stouter than others. Dorsal and anal fins with scaly sheaths; rays of the fins not articulated. Attains 45 cm SL.
Biology:  Oceanic. The species is very rare and most likely seen as stomach content of large predatory fishes, such as tunas. Young probably inhabits shallow, adult deep water.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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