| Family: |
Gempylidae (Snake mackerels) |
| Max. size: |
100 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 185 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Atlantic: Caribbean Sea. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 15-16; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-20; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 13-17; Vertebrae: 32-32. Dorsal profile of head slightly elevated in front of anterior nostril, then nearly straight to origin of dorsal fin. Preopercle with two sharp spines at its lower angle. The mouth has several fangs, and a pair of large canines near the tip of the lower jaw which are exposed when the mouth is closed. Lateral line double, the lower branching off under the 5th or 6th dorsal spine. Overall color is grayish blue with the head being slightly darker than the body. |
| Biology: |
Rare species, probably mesobenthopelagic. Consumed as food (Ref. 4537). Reported to have been taken from 200-350 m in Jamaica (J. Tame pers. Comm. 08/16). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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