| Family: |
Microstomatidae (Pencil smelts) |
| Max. size: |
21 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine |
| Distribution: |
Probably worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. Eastern Atlantic: southern Ireland, scattered records in western Mediterranean, also Madeira Islands. Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico (Ref. 27768). Western Pacific: Australia (Ref. 7300) and New Zealand (Ref. 5755). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 7-9; Vertebrae: 44-45. Body silvery, darker near tail (Ref. 3978). Swim bladder faintly colored. Adults mostly silver (Ref. 37473). |
| Biology: |
Mesopelagic species (Ref. 3978, 58302). Generally solitary. Probably feeds on zooplankton. Spawns throughout the year in the Mediterranean, more in winter. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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