Benthodesmus tuckeri Parin & Becker, 1970
Tucker's frostfish
Benthodesmus tuckeri
photo by FAO

 Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
 Max. size:  77 cm SL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  benthopelagic; depth range 500 - 790 m
 Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines, Viet Nam, Molucca Islands and southeastern Australia. Indian Ocean: Socotra Island, Saya de Malha Bank, Mozambique Channel, off Natal (Ref. 11228) and south of Java.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 39-44; Dorsal soft rays (total): 88-96; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 76-83; Vertebrae: 133-142. Body extremely elongate and compressed. Pelvic fins diminutive, composed of a scale-like spine and a rudimentary soft ray. Body is silvery, jaws and opercle blackish. Inside of mouth and gill cavities black.
 Biology:  Juveniles mesopelagic at 500 m.
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Agustin, Liza Q. - 09.11.93
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 22.05.06
 Checked by: Agustin, Liza Q. - 24.02.94

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