Dark smiling whiptail
📖 Overview
Dark smiling whiptail (Ventrifossa sazonovi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Macrouridae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 34 cm. It occurs at depths between 420 and 886 metres. With a trophic level of 3.7, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 2; Anal spines: 0. Pelvic fin rays 9-10; second spinous ray of first dorsal fin with smooth leading edge; a well marked median nasal streak; chin barbel dark, length 17-24% of head length; outer premaxillary teeth notably larger than teeth of inner band; dorsum not strongly demarcated in color from rest of body in preserved specimens; suborbital shelf narrows anteriorly, somewhat constricted at anterior end.: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dark smiling whiptail is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 420 - 886 m . Deep-water South China Sea and northern Australia (including Western Australia).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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