Diretmus argenteus Johnson, 1864
Silver spinyfin
Diretmus argenteus
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Diretmidae (Spinyfins)
Max. size:  27.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 2000 m
Distribution:  Circumglobal: In tropical to temperate waters. Eastern Atlantic: Iceland and British Isles to South Africa including Canary Islands and Ascension Island (Ref. 6744). Northwest Atlantic: Canada (Ref. 5951). Not recorded from the Mediterranean (Ref. 6744).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-29; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 18-24; Vertebrae: 27-29. Body black dorsally, silvery on sides (Ref. 6622). Branchiostegal rays: 7-8 (Ref. 36622). Body deep, heavy, sides straight. Large adults very dark brown (Ref. 37108).
Biology:  Juveniles are found from near surface to about 250 m to more than 1,000 m (Ref. 6536). Largest adults may be benthopelagic (Ref. 9851). Adults are plankton-eaters like the other members of the family (Ref. 6744). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36622).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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