Melamphaes ebelingi Keene, 1973

Family:  Melamphaidae (Bigscale fishes or ridgeheads)
Max. size:  13.74 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 290 - 1548 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-16; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: first gill arch with 19-21 rakers; vertebrae 26-27, including 11 abdominal ones; haemal arch of first caudal vertebra without a spine ('spur'); D III,14-16; A I,8; P 15; ventral fin I,8; ventral fin begins slightly anteriorly or beneath vertical of the posterior margin of pectoral fin insertion; anal fin begins beyond vertical of last ray of dorsal fin (Ref. 90261).
Biology:  Juvenile fish of this species were reported to be seined with closing fishing gear at depths of 290-1060 m, while adults were seined at depths of 1483-1548 m. It was suggested that unlike adults, juveniles perform vertical migrations (Ref. 90261).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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