Swellhead snailfish (Paraliparis cephalus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Liparidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 8.2 cm. It occurs at depths between 294 and 1800 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 50 - 57; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 44 - 51; Vertebrae: 57 - 63. Pectoral fin deeply notched . Skin transparent; musculature pale, with scattered melanophores, especially dense near dorsal and anal fin base; mouth pale or light tan; gill cavity blackish; peritoneum and stomach black; pyloric caeca pale .: elongated.
Behavioural data for Swellhead snailfish is currently being reviewed.
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 294 - 1800 m . Deep-water North Pacific: off Commander Islands, central Bering Sea, off Unalaska Island, western Gulf of Alaska, northern British Columbiai to southern California, USA.
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | blackbelly snailfish · swellhead snailfish |
| 🌍CES | terčovka nadutohlavá |
| 🇫🇷French | limace à grosse tête |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Паралипарис-головач |
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
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