Trachipterus trachypterus (Gmelin, 1789)
Mediterranean dealfish
Trachipterus trachypterus
photo by The Sharkman

Family:  Trachipteridae (Ribbonfishes)
Max. size:  300 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 600 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: western Mediterranean and from Morocco to Namibia; also off Table Bay, South Africa (Ref. 2713). Western Pacific: Japan and New Zealand. Southeast Pacific: Chile (Ref. 27363).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 145-184. Silvery in color except for front of head, interorbital area, dorsal part of upper jaw, and tip of lower jaw which are black (Ref. 2713). Dusky blotch usually seen on body at bases of 20-28th dorsal rays (Ref. 2713).
Biology:  A rare (Ref. 2713), mesopelagic species. Feeds on squid and midwater fishes (Ref. 6392). Swims with head up (Ref. 36731). Eggs and larvae are found frequently near the surface (Ref. 6392).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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