Talismania antillarum (Goode & Bean, 1896)
Antillean smooth-head
photo by Yang, N.-S.

Family:  Alepocephalidae (Slickheads)
Max. size:  16 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 455 - 1460 m
Distribution:  Circumglobal, tropical and subtropical. Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Eastern Atlantic: Morocco south to Angola. Northwest Pacific: Ryukyu Trough (Ref. 559). Southeast Pacific: Chile (Ref. 9068).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 20-22; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 20-22. Dorsal and anal fins nearly opposite each other. Lower margin of maxillary serrated, each serration with a thin triangular tooth at the tip. Prevomerine teeth deciduous. Orbit large, its diameter longer than the snout. Pectoral rays not filamentous. Attains 15 cm SL.
Biology:  Mesopelagic (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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