Hoplostethus mediterraneus Cuvier, 1829
Mediterranean slimehead
Hoplostethus mediterraneus
photo by De Sanctis, A.

Family:  Trachichthyidae (Slimeheads)
Max. size:  42 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 11 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 100 - 1408 m
Distribution:  Cosmopolitan. Atlantic. Indian and Pacific oceans and the Mediterranean.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 10-10. Body dusky pink above, silvery below; paired fins pale (Ref. 4181). Body deep, oval. Scales deciduous, spinules minute, margins usually entire (Ref. 37108).
Biology:  This species is reported to be pelagic in Maul, 1990 (Ref. 3583); however, Schneider, 1990 (Ref. 2683) indicates the species is demersal. Found over muddy bottom (Ref. 26999).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 May 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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