Gap-toothed red deepwater scorpionfsh

📖 Overview

Gap-toothed red deepwater scorpionfsh (Lythrichthys dentatus) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 12.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 216 and 610 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: scale rows between 6th dorsal-fin spine and lateral line 6-7 (usually 7); scale rows between last dorsal-fin spine and lateral line 6-7 (7); middle postorbital scale rows 2-3 (3); caudal-peduncle depth 7.2-9.0% (modally 8.1%) of SL; interorbital width at vertical midline of eye 17.9-21.4 % (19.5%) of HL; maxillary depth 14.3-16.3% (15.7%) of HL; lower opercular spine length 25.0-28.9% (27.0%) of HL; dorsal margin of interorbital space flat; presence of nasal and parietal spines; supraocular spine rudimentary; second lacrimal spine directed anteroventrally or ventrally (directed posteroventrally only on left side of CSIRO H1167-06); tip of lower opercular spine below posterior margin of opercle; jaws with long, widely spaced canine teeth; premaxillary teeth generally in single straight row (posteriormost teeth in 2 irregular rows), totaling ca. 40 teeth. Colouration: head and body uniformly vivid red in fresh specimens, caudal fin and oral membrane uniformly pale in preserved specimens .Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Gap-toothed red deepwater scorpionfsh is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 216 - 610 m . Subtropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

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