Aphanopus mikhailini Parin, 1983
Mikhailin's scabbardfish
Aphanopus mikhailini
photo by FAO

Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
Max. size:  90 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 905 - 2000 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: Namibia and at Walvis Ridge. Southwest Atlantic: off Argentina. Indian Ocean: on seamounts off Mozambique and the West Australian Ridges. Western Pacific: Southeast Australia, North Island in New Zealand and the Challenger Plateau (Ref. 41692).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 42-45; Dorsal soft rays (total): 61-66; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 51-57; Vertebrae: 111-117. Pelvic fins represented by a single spine in juveniles, inserted before the base of the pectoral fins, but entirely absent in adults. Body color is coppery black with iridescent tint. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.
Biology:  Occurs on the continental slope or underwater rises (Ref. 10818).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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