Nansenia oblita (FacciolĂ , 1887)
photo by FAO

Family:  Microstomatidae (Pencil smelts)
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 300 - 500 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: southwest of Ireland, western Mediterranean and off Western Sahara. Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal soft rays: 9-10; Vertebrae: 42-45. Branchiostegal rays 4. Predorsal length longer than 50% SL. Proximal part of adipose fin unpigmented. Entire body covered with guanine (Ref. 5123).
Biology:  Spawns during winter in the Mediterranean.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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