Zu elongatus Heemstra & Kannemeyer, 1984
Taper-tail ribbonfish
Zu elongatus
photo by SFSA

Family:  Trachipteridae (Ribbonfishes)
Max. size:  120 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Namibia (Ref. 27121) and off the western Cape coast, South Africa. Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 142-147. Adult specimens preserved in alcohol are tan in color; front of head with triangular dark area extending onto lips and gular region; posterior dorsal rays black; caudal fin black, base of fin pale (Ref. 2713).
Biology:  Mesopelagic species (Ref. 27121).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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