Comet snailfish

📖 Overview

Comet snailfish (Paraliparis penicillus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Liparidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in pelagic, deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.7 cm. It occurs at depths between 722 and 1003 metres. With a trophic level of 3.4, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 51 - 55; Anal soft rays: 46 - 49; Vertebrae: 56 - 60. This species is distinguished from its congeners in having the following set of character states: deep, rounded head; small, terminal, horizontal mouth; dorsally notched and triangular opercular flap; simple teeth; high tooth-row count, up to 12 teeth in 31-33 rows; 17-19 pectoral-fin rays, with 4-5 comprising the lower lobe; 56-60 vertebrae; 51-55 dorsal-fin rays; 46-49 anal-fin rays; 6-7 principal caudal-fin rays; small gill slit, wholly above pectoral-fin or reaching ventrally in front of rays 3-4; 8-10 pyloric caeca; peritoneum black; stomach, intestine, and pyloric caeca unpigmented; body pale anteriorly, increasingly more pigmented posteriorly, and tail partially orange in life .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Comet snailfish is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Comet snailfish is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Comet snailfish is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; pelagic-oceanic; depth range 722 - 1003 m . Deep-water; 59°N - 56°N, 178°W - 170°W Northeast Pacific: Alaska, Eastern Bering Sea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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