Ventrifossa saikaiensis Okamura, 1984

Family:  Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 280 - 1211 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Okinawa Trough, Taiwan and the South China Sea off Luzon, Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Mouth inferior with long barbel, mandibular teeth in very narrow band, and slender dense spinules arranged in convergent rows or quincunx order on scales. A few or no spineless scales behind 1st dorsal. Scale sacs on upper 1/2 of body and along base of anal fin with narrow, dark brown posterior margin. Ventral luminous organ comparatively large, situated between pelvic bases and connected with periproct by narrow naked groove. Snout more or less pointed. Mouth moderately large, upper jaw extending to a vertical from posterior rim of orbit. Upper lip with rather broad dark margin. Vent much nearer to pelvic vase than to anal fin. First dorsal fin uniformly dark (Ref. 54421).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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