Bathytroctes microlepis Günther, 1878
Smallscale smooth-head
Bathytroctes microlepis
photo by Orlov, A.

Family:  Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)
Max. size:  32.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 4900 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: off southwestern Ireland, Bay of Biscay southward to Namibia including Azores and Madeira Islands. Elsewhere, western Atlantic, South China Sea, southeast Pacific and in tropical waters of the eastern Indian Ocean.
Diagnosis:  Cheeks or the upper part of the operculum without scales (less than 2 scale rows below the postorbital canal). Transverse scale rows at least ten more than the lateral line (rarely less than 10) (Ref. 34286).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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