Muraenolepis microps Lönnberg, 1905
Smalleye moray cod
photo by FAO

Family:  Muraenolepididae (Eel cods)
Max. size:  35 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 10 - 1600 m
Distribution:  Southern Ocean: coasts of Antarctic Peninsula, Scotia Sea (South Georgia, South Sandwich, South Orkney and South Shetland islands), Victoria Land and Ross Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 135-135; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 106-106; Vertebrae: 69-69. Dorsal filament variable in length, but never longer than twice the eye diameter. Outer rays of the pelvic fins filamentous, of unequal lengths. Lateral line arched above the pectoral fin, extending to slightly beyond the pectoral fin tips. Color is uniform gray-brown, with iridescent hues.
Biology:  Dwells in continental and insular shelves and slopes. Feeds on zooplankton. Synchronous spawner (Ref. 50743).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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