Penopus Microphthalmus
📖 Overview
Penopus Microphthalmus (Penopus microphthalmus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophidiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 35 cm. It occurs at depths between 960 and 3535 metres. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 135 - 158; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 106 - 122; Vertebrae: 77 - 83. Penopus microphthalmus differs from P. japonicus by the following characters: has a higher number of dorsal, 135-158 (vs. 117) and anal, 106-122 (vs. 89) fin rays; lower number of preopercular spines, 4-7 (vs. 9); indistinct spine behind the posterior nostril (vs. distinct, 1% SL); by the bigger horizontal diameter of the eye 1.1-1.6% SL (vs. 0.8); and in having an almost fully scaled head (vs. squamation of the head restricted to the middle part of the preopercle) .
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Penopus Microphthalmus is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 960 - 3535 m . Deep-water East Atlantic: from 34°28'N, 7°43'W southwards through the Gulf of Guinea to 36°06'S, 19°33'E.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dicromita microphthalma | Vaillant | 1888 | Synonym |
| Penopus macdonaldi | Goode & Bean | 1896 | Synonym |
| Penopus microcephalus | Vaillant | 1888 | Synonym |
| Sirembo microphthalmus | Vaillant | 1888 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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