Melanostigma Bellingshauseni

📖 Overview

Melanostigma Bellingshauseni (Melanostigma bellingshauseni) is a ray-finned fish of the family Zoarcidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 19.4 cm. It occurs at depths between 1000 and 1010 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 86 - 91. This species is distinguished by the following characters: supratemporal commissure complete (full), without interruptions and losses of segments; no coronal commissure; with pore in the temporal canal; body lateral line with three series of neuromasts (predorsal, dorsolateral, and mediolateral); gill rakers on the first branchial arch 27 (23-27), of which 13 (10-13) in external row; 14 (13-16) in internal row; pectoral-fin rays 8; vertebrae 87 (86-91) including 21 (21-23) abdominal and 66 (68-71) caudal vertebrae; maxilla length 7.4 (6.5-7.8)% SL; upper lip coalesce with snout; abdominal vertebrae is slightly asymmetrical; length of anterior part of the center of vertebrae (in area of fifth to eighth vertebrae) 70-92% of length of its posterior part; body and head including snout tip, nostril tubes, and oral cavity light; tail with dark stripe at tips of dorsal, anal, and caudal fins .Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Melanostigma Bellingshauseni is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Melanostigma Bellingshauseni is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Melanostigma Bellingshauseni is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 1000 - 1010 m . Deep-water Indian Ocean: Kerguelen Plateau.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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