Benthodesmus tuckeri Parin & Becker, 1970
Tucker's frostfish
photo by FAO

Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
Max. size:  77 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 500 - 790 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Philippines, Viet Nam, Molucca Islands and southeastern Australia to Socotra Island, Saya de Malha Bank, Mozambique Channel, off Natal (Ref. 11228) and south of Java.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 39-44; Dorsal soft rays (total): 88-96; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 76-83; Vertebrae: 133-142. Body extremely elongate and compressed. Pelvic fins diminutive, composed of a scale-like spine and a rudimentary soft ray. Body is silvery, jaws and opercle blackish. Inside of mouth and gill cavities black.
Biology:  Juveniles mesopelagic at 500 m.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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