Benthodesmus elongatus (Clarke, 1879)
Elongate frostfish
Benthodesmus elongatus
photo by Fischer, L.G.

Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 178 - 950 m
Distribution:  Atlantic, Indian and Pacific: off south Brazil and Argentina, Rio Grande Rise, southeastern Africa, Madagascar Ridge, southeastern Australia, New Zealand, Sala y Gomez Ridge.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 42-46; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99-108; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 91-98; Vertebrae: 151-159. Body silvery, jaws and opercle blackish. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.
Biology:  Juveniles mesopelagic (Ref. 6181); also benthopelagic (Ref. 5951). Feeds on crustaceans (mainly prawns and euphausiids), small fishes (e.g. Maurolicus) and squid (Ref. 6202). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 36453.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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