Teleostei (teleosts) >
Gadiformes (Cods) >
Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Etymology: Hymenocephalus: Named for its transparent membrane-like head covering (‘‘hymen head’’) and fragile nature of head bones (Ref. 100825); megalops: From the Greek megas, great, and ops, eye, in reference to the notably large eyes of the species.
More on authors: Iwamoto & Merrett.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 600 - 825 m (Ref. 35908). Deep-water
Western Central Pacific: known only from New Caledonia and off Queensland, Australia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 17.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 35908)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 2. Gill rakers first arch (outer/inner) 12-19/20-24; barbel short 8-22% HL; orbits large 40-48%; snout usually 23-33%; orb.-preop. 36-7%; dorsolateral stripe on trunk fades out completely on tail.
Body shape (shape guide): elongated.
A benthic species found on the continental slope (Ref. 75154).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Iwamoto, T. and N.R. Merrett, 1997. Pisces Gadiformes: Taxonomy of grenadiers of the New Caledonian region, southwest Pacific. Mem. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. (176):473-570. (Ref. 35908)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
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