Deep-water sandlance
📖 Overview
Deep-water sandlance (Bleekeria profunda) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ammodytidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.1 cm. It occurs at depths between 237 and 240 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 49; Anal soft rays: 20; Vertebrae: 62. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 49; A 20; pectoral-fin rays 16; pelvic fins 5; lateral-line scales 151; gill rakers 8 + 21; absence of gap in subocular sensory canal; vertebrae 62; body depth at dorsal-fin origin 8.95 in SL: head length 4.15 in SL; eye large, 4.4 in HL; mouth oblique and moderately large, the upper-jaw length 3.65 in HL; lower jaw projecting a half eye diameter anterior to opening of mouth, the tip narrowly rounded; mouth forming an angle of about 40° to axis of body; small, slender, well-spaced teeth in jaws; pelvic fins small, 4.2 in HL; color in alcohol: dorsal half of body pale yellowish brown, the scales narrowly edged in blackish, except on lateral line; ventral half of body pale yellowish white; color when fresh: grayish blue on about dorsal third of body anteriorly, progressively less posteriorly, with whitish lateral line visible within the blue, extending behind upper end of gill opening, progressively fainter posteriorly, interorbital blue, grading to gray on nape, the operculum and chest are white, snout, jaws, and ventral head are mainly dark red, the front of lower jaw blue, except for a small gray anterior nodule (the deep red coloration on the snout, ventrally on the head, and as an oblique band from the opercle to the pectoral-fin base are natural or from the trauma of the trawl) .Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Deep-water sandlance is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 237 - 240 m . Subtropical Indian Ocean: Saya de Malha Bank.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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