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Saccopharyngiformes (Swallowers and gulpers) >
Monognathidae (Onejaws)
Etymology: Monognathus: Greek, monos = one + Greek, gnathos = jaw (Ref. 45335); smithi: Named for Kenneth Smith, chief scientist for the cruise during which the material was caught.
Eponymy: Dr Kenneth L Smith Jr. [...] (Ref. 128868), visit book page.
More on authors: Bertelsen & Nielsen.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 4201 - 5800 m (Ref. 34506). Deep-water; 31°N - , 159°W -
Distribution
Territories | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Point map | Introductions | Faunafri
North Pacific: Central North Pacific gyre. High Seas only.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 7.2 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 34506)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal soft rays (total): 75 - 102; Anal soft rays: 55 - 63. The available specimens of M. smithi differ from all other specimens of a similar total length (6.8-7.2) within the genus by the long skull 7.0-7.6% TL and long lower jaw 11.8-12.5% TL. Furthermore, it is distinguished by the following combination of characters: head long with elongate, pointed snout slightly upturned, rostral fang strongly hooked with distal part in a nearly right angle to dorsal profile of skull, preanal 36.0-37.5% TL, and at least 7 teeth in jaw (Ref. 34506).
Body shape (shape guide): eel-like.
The holotypes and paratypes of M. smithi were caught in the water column in a closing net at 4200 and 5200 m, with a sounding at 5800 m (Ref. 34506).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Bertelsen, E. and J.G. Nielsen, 1987. The deep sea eel family Monognathidae (Pisces, Anguilliformes). Steenstrupia 13(4):141-198. (Ref. 34506)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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