Schedophilus maculatus Günther, 1860
Pelagic butterfish
photo by FAO

Family:  Centrolophidae (Medusafishes)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  pelagic-oceanic; marine; depth range 300 - 1110 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Southern Ocean: in widespread localities including southern Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 27-29; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 23-25. Juveniles with vertical bands or dark blotches extending onto median fins; pectoral fins dusky, pelvic fins black (Ref. 4410).
Biology:  Adults are pelagic in oceanic waters. Juveniles found beneath jellyfish (Ref. 9563), in epipelagic waters (Ref. 54802). Rare species with no commercial value (Ref. 54802).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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