Himantolophus borealis Kharin, 1984

Family:  Himantolophidae (Footballfishes)
Max. size:  6.2 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range - 1210 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-5; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 4-4; Vertebrae: 18-18. Distinguishing characteristics of metamorphosed female: short illicium 26-32% SL; distal escal appendage 22-24% SL, distal one-fourth to one-third of length bifurcated twice, darkly pigmented except for extreme distal tips; posterior escal appendage 4.8-7.1% SL, bifurcated distally; postolateral appendages 2 at base of escal bulb and distal appendage (Ref. 86949).
Biology:  Males and larvae unknown (Ref. 43997). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 11 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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