Melamphaes nikolayi Kotlyar, 2012

Family:  Melamphaidae (Bigscale fishes or ridgeheads)
Max. size:  6.15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range - 1000 m
Distribution:  Northwestern Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-15; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 29-29. This species is distinguished by the following: first gill arch with 21 rakers; total vertebrae 29, abdominal 12; haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra without a spine ('spur'); D III,15, P 15-16; V I,8; ventral fin originates beyond the vertical of the posterior end of the pectoral fin insertion; anal fin originates beyond the vertical of the last ray of the dorsal fin (Ref. 90261).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 30 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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