Radiicephalus elongatus Osório, 1917
Tapertail
photo by SFSA

Family:  Radiicephalidae (Tapertails)
Max. size:  76 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range - 570 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: off Morocco and the Azores (Ref. 6739) southward to Cape Point, South Africa (Ref. 6551). Eastern Pacific: present in the California Current region (Ref. 36609).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 152-160; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 6-7; Vertebrae: 114-121. Body and tail silvery in color; dorsal base blackish (Ref. 6551). Branchiostegal rays: 4-6 (Ref. 36609). Pelvic fins absent in adults.
Biology:  Mesopelagic species (Ref. 6808). Adults feed on lantern-fishes (Myctophidae) and possibly euphausiid crustaceans (Ref. 6739). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36609). They have the ability to discharge dark brown fluid from the ink-sac when alarmed.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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