Malthopsis gigas Ho & Shao, 2010
Giant triangular batfish
Malthopsis gigas
photo by Ho, H.-C.

Family:  Ogcocephalidae (Batfishes)
Max. size:  13.64 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 210 - 650 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacifc: Madagascar and Somalia to French Polynesia; north to Japan, south to New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-6. This species differs from its congeners in having the following characters: relatively long and strong rostrum (5.2-11.5% SL, x = 8.6% SL); rostral spine directed forward and upward; body heavily covered with strong conical bucklers; numerous small and flat bucklers covering dorsal surface between principal bucklers; dorsal and anal fins relatively long, 17.6-29.5% SL and 17.4-24.2% SL, respectively; dorsal surface with black spots; anal fin when fully laid back extends beyond caudal fin base; largest adult body size (up to 136.4 mm) among its congeners 9Ref. 84006).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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