Blue Atacama snailfish
📖 Overview
Blue Atacama snailfish (Paraliparis selti) is a ray-finned fish of the family Liparidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic, deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 7.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 5913 and 7616 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): 60; Anal soft rays: 52; Vertebrae: 65. This species is distinguished by the following characters: absence of a ventral disk and pseudobranch; with a single pair of nostrils; single suprabranchial pore present; no coronal pore; branchiostegal rays 6; lower pectoral fin lobe does not form a single filament; hypural plate not divided and is fused with the terminal vertebral column; head lacks barbels or head flaps; differs from its congeners by having a high number of vertebrae 65, abdominal vertebrae 12; D 60; A 52; caudal fin rays 8; low number of pectoral fin rays 18 which forms a deep notch with two widely spaced non-rudimentary rays; mouth horizontal; jaw teeth simple and not uniserial. Colouration: in life, blue-black anteriorly becoming pale posteriorly, blue pigment becoming dusky when preserved, peritoneum black .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blue Atacama snailfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 5913 - 7616 m . Deep-water
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Blue Atacama snailfish ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.