Neoscopelus microchir Matsubara, 1943
Shortfin neoscopelid
photo by Shao, K.T.

Family:  Neoscopelidae (Blackchins)
Max. size:  30.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 250 - 700 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Morocco to Western Sahara. Western Atlantic: Straits of Florida to off the Virgin Islands. Western Indian Ocean: Arabian Sea to about 28°S; one record off Natal, South Africa (Ref. 6604). Western Pacific: off southern Japan to northeastern New Zealand. South China Sea and East China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Head and sides of body dark red, silvery white below; fins pink (Ref. 6604).
Biology:  Found over continental and island slopes (Ref. 4481). Sexual mature at 12 cm (Ref. 47377).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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