| Family: |
Microstomatidae (Pencil smelts) |
| Max. size: |
22.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 17.92 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 83 - 1800 m |
| Distribution: |
Northeast Pacific: Gulf of Alaska to southern California, USA (Ref. 35612); including Japan (Ref. 43939). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 44-47. Adipose fin small and sickle-shaped; pectorals small. Preserved specimens dark brown on body and head, lighter below, bluish on nape, preopercle, and throat, fins clear, eye silvery (Ref. 6885). Branchiostegal rays 3. Pyloric caeca 7-9 (Ref. 5123). |
| Biology: |
Found between the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones (Ref. 265). Oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Ref. 35612). Probably found at a depth of 100 m (Ref. 6885). A specimen of 17.92 cm SL was found to have mature ovaries (Ref. 5123). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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