Gonostoma denudatum Rafinesque, 1810
photo by Costa, F.

Family:  Gonostomatidae (Bristlemouths)
Max. size:  14.4 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 16.6 g
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 700 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal south to Angola including the Azores and the Mediterranean. Also off southern Africa extending from the Atlantic slopes area to about 8°W, southern limit to about 37°S (Ref. 3991). Western Central Atlantic: 20°N - 5°S.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 28-31. Dark dorsally, flanks silver; distinctive gular pigment patch (Ref. 3991). Dorsal adipose fin present.
Biology:  Exhibits diel vertical migrations, juveniles and adults in 400-700 m by day and 100-200 m by night (Ref. 4769). Photophores developing in fishes over 18-35 mm SL (Ref. 4769).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 17 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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