Elassodiscus caudatus (Gilbert, 1915)
Blackbelly snailfish

Family:  Liparidae (Snailfishes)
Max. size:  8.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 7.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 335 - 1040 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: southeastern Alaska to Monterey Bay, California, USA (Ref. 26773) and eastern Bering Sea (Ref. 51661).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 49-55; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 45-50; Vertebrae: 55-60. Pectoral fin deeply notched; disk minute, almost on symphysis of lower pectoral lobes, no evidence of any bony structure (Ref. 26773). Skin colorless, with scattered melanophores posteriorly; body pale, with melanophores absent on head, denser on dorsal and anal fin bases; mouth pale; branchial cavity, peritoneum, and stomach black; pyloric caeca pale; branchial and peritoneal color plainly visible through sides of body (Ref. 26773).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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