Xenodermichthys copei (Gill, 1884)
Bluntsnout smooth-head
Xenodermichthys copei
photo by Orlov, A.

Family:  Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 2650 m
Distribution:  Atlantic Ocean: widely distributed, ranging north to Iceland in the eastern section (Ref. 4460). Pacific Ocean: on both sides, in tropical waters; Tasman Sea. Indian Ocean: including Great Australian Bight.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-31; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 26-30. Nodular luminous organ present sporadically on body; no luminous organ on shoulder (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Usually found near continental slopes (Ref. 4736). Bathypelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds primarily on crustaceans (euphausiids, copepods, amphipods and decapod zoea), also ostracods and small cephalopods (Ref. 4736).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 May 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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