Histiobranchus bathybius (Günther, 1877)
Deep-water arrowtooth eel
Histiobranchus bathybius
photo by Reyes, R.B.

Family:  Synaphobranchidae (Cutthroat eels), subfamily: Synaphobranchinae
Max. size:  137 cm (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,500.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 295 - 5440 m
Distribution:  North Atlantic and North Pacific. Also in Durban, South Africa and Indo-Pacific (Ref. 3973).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 312-354; Anal soft rays: 199-245; Vertebrae: 131-140. Dorsal fin rays anterior to anus 98-139; precaudal vertebrae 65-72 (usually 68-69); lateral line pores before anus 50-56 (Ref. 31334). Plain brown to black in color (Ref. 3973). Pectorals small (Ref. 31334).
Biology:  Found on the continental slope and abyssal plain. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and squid (Ref. 31334).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 17 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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