Leptoderma macrophthalmum Byrkjedal, Poulsen & Galbraith, 2011

Family:  Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)
Max. size:  15.1 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range - 2107 m
Distribution:  Atlantic Ocean: North Atlantic. Caught at the Mid Atlantic Ridge, north of the Azores (Ref. 86873).
Diagnosis:  The species differs from three of the four other congeneric species (L. affinis, L. macrops and L. retropinna) by having a distinct gap between the posterior ends of the dorsal and anal fins and the beginning of procurrent caudal finrays. This gap is absent in the three species mentioned, but present in the fourth (L. lubricum), from which L. macrophthalmum differs by having a lack of dermal papillae along the lateral line, pectoral fins lower on body, a larger eye relative to head dimensions, and a shorter pre-dorsal length (Ref. 86873).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 03 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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