Saddleback snailfish

📖 Overview

Saddleback snailfish (Careproctus nelsoni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Liparidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 220 and 329 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): 39 - 41; Anal soft rays: 33 - 35; Vertebrae: 44 - 45. This species is distinguished from its congeners in the North Pacific by the following set of characters: teeth trilobed; two separate chin pores; low counts of median-fin rays, D 39-41, A 33-35; vertebrae 44-45; peritoneum and stomach pale; body reddish with broad white saddle at anterior part of dorsal fin extending to belly; differs from Careproctus staufferi having two separate chin pores (vs. two pores in a single pit), a smaller head 24.6-27.4 (vs. 27.0-30.0 % HL), and fewer pectoral-fin rays 32-37 (vs. 36-44), as well as its coloration in life, white saddle across anterior part of dorsal fin present and golden lateral slash absent (vs. saddle absent and slash present); differs from C. mollis and C. sinensis by fewer dorsal-fin rays 39–41 (vs. 53), anal-fin rays 33-35 (vs. 47), and vertebrae 44-45 (vs. 58–59), a larger pelvic disc 38.6-48.8 (vs. ca. 28 % HL) and two chin pores in separate pits (vs. two pores in a single pit) .Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Saddleback snailfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Saddleback snailfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Saddleback snailfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 220 - 329 m . Temperate

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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