Nessorhamphus ingolfianus (Schmidt, 1912)
Duckbill oceanic eel
photo by Dolgov, A.

Family:  Derichthyidae (Longneck eels)
Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1800 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: France to Morocco; off the Cape, South Africa (Ref. 6592). Also known from temperate and subtropical latitudes of the western Atlantic, southwestern Indian, and southwest Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Dark brown in color (Ref. 6592). Snout long, depressed, and spatulate in form; lateral line distinct; pectoral fin long, subequal to snout; dorsal and anal fin rays abruptly become shorter near tip of tail and once again become longer, so it appears an independent caudal fin is present (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Mesopelagic (Ref. 5951). Feeds mainly on crustaceans.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 January 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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