Nettastoma melanura Rafinesque, 1810
Blackfin sorcerer
photo by Serrano, A.

Family:  Nettastomatidae (Duckbill eels)
Max. size:  79.8 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 255.5 g
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 37 - 1647 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Portugal to the Gulf of Guinea including western Mediterranean. Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico to the Guianas and to southern Brazil (Ref. 47377).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 190-210. Usually five supratemporal pores, SO5 absent. Lateral line pores 43-49. Median vomerine teeth somewhat enlarged. Posterior nostril near anterodorsal margin of eye.
Biology:  Occurs in holes on muddy bottoms of continental slope. Feeds mainly on crustaceans (Ref. 4776).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 20 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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