Ridgehead
📖 Overview
Ridgehead (Melamphaes typhlops) is a ray-finned fish of the family Melamphaidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 1000 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 14 - 16. Head with a sharp angle I the frontal margin. Scales mostly pockets .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ridgehead is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Ridgehead is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 1000 m , usually 0 - 150 m . Deep-water; 45°N - 10°N North Atlantic: between 45°-10°N, including 8 specimens recorded within 28°-14°N and 27°-16°W in the eastern Atlantic and 2 records (one dubious) from further south in equatorial eastern Atlantic.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Ridgehead |
| 🌍CES | velkošupinatka madeirská |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melamphaes crassicauda | Koefoed | 1953 | Synonym |
| Metopias typhlops | Lowe | 1843 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 69 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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