Aulotrachichthys spiralis Matsunuma, Ujihara & Endo, 2023
Spiralis luminous-roughy
photo by Matsunuma, M.

Family:  Trachichthyidae (Slimeheads)
Max. size:  8.87 cm SL (male/unsexed); 8.52 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 25 - 220 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan and northern East China Sea and Osumi Channel.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 5-5; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13-13; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 27-27. This species is distinguished from all its congeners by the following set of characters: D V,13 usually; A III,8 usually; ventral scutes 7-10 (modally 8); specimens >70 mm SL have 57-62 scale rows in longitudinal series, 24-29 pored lateral-line scales, and 7-9 scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine and lateral line; striated area ending before mid-point on caudal peduncle, its length 25.2–39.7% of caudal peduncle length; posterior interorbital ridges mesially curved posteriorly; posttemporal crest with rounded margin, lacking a distinct spine; spines of dorsal, anal and pelvic fins with many longitudinal helical ridges on surface (specimens >75 mm SL) (Ref. 130070).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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