Dibranchus tremendus Bradbury, 1999

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  19.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 750 - 2300 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Eastern Central Atlantic: Gulf of Guinea to Namibia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 4-7; Anal soft rays: 4-4; Vertebrae: 18-20. Tubercles without the radiating rows of spinules as seen in D. atlanticus (forming a shagreen). Spines of tubercles extremely long and stout , especially along sides of tail. Tubercles cover the surface of disk. Principal tubercles of ventral surface of tail very large and occupying entire ventral surface except for a few small tubercles in the median portion between anus and anal fin base. Cephalic lateral line count: subopercular usually 5 (4-5); preopercular usually 2. Firm skeleton; pliant skin, especially on ventral surface of disk. Fin without tubercles except at the extreme bases of the pectoral and caudal fins. Pectoral and pelvic fins both relatively long and slender in small individuals, shorter and broader with rays very fleshy in large ones (Ref. 40826).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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