Found on mud bottoms . Possibly the most commonly captured liparid below 200 m; captured frequently by fishers . Known to feed on polychaete worms, small crustaceans, tiny clams and other invertebrates .
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 54 - 58; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 37 - 50. Dorsal fin extending about halfway along length of caudal fin; caudal narrow, slightly rounded; lower 6 rays of pectorals slightly thickened and completely exserted, the next 5 greatly to moderately exserted and longer than the rays immediately above them, no real notch in fin; pelvic fins modified to form a small adhesive disc with a thickened margin, placed far forward, below eye . Off-white to pale rose on body; ends of pectoral and edges of posterior parts of dorsal and anal, and most of the caudal, black; lining of mouth and gill cavity, and tongue black .: elongated.
Behavioural data for Blacktail snailfish is currently being reviewed.
Diet information for Blacktail snailfish is currently being compiled.
Reproduction data for Blacktail snailfish is currently being compiled.
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 50 - 2453 m , usually 500 - 700 m . Deep-water North Pacific: Bering Sea to off San Diego in California, USA.
polychaete worms, small crustaceans, tiny clams and other invertebrates (Ref
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