Benthodesmus papua Parin, 1978
Papuan frostfish
photo by FAO

Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
Max. size:  24 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 200 - 800 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Coral Sea, southeast of Gulf of Papua.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 38-38; Dorsal soft rays (total): 112-112; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 102-102; Vertebrae: 155. Body silvery, jaws and opercle blackish. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.
Biology:  Probably benthopelagic, juveniles mesopelagic at 200 m (Ref. 9688).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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