Classification / Names
Common names | Synonyms | Catalog of Fishes(genus, species) | ITIS | CoL | WoRMS | Cloffa
Teleostei (teleosts) >
Beryciformes (Sawbellies) >
Melamphaidae (Bigscale fishes or ridgeheads)
Etymology: Melamphaes: Greek, melan, -anos = black + Greek, amphi = both side (Ref. 45335); occlusus: Name from Latin word which means hidden or concealed; indicating that the specimen of this
species was possibly included with those of M. microps.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 1500 - 1610 m (Ref. 90261). Deep-water
Southwestern Indian Ocean: Madagascar Ridge. High Seas only.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 11.7 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 90261)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 29. This species is distinguished by the following: first gill arch with 22 rakers; total vertebrae 29, abdominal 11; haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra with 2 spines directed downwards and to the sides ('spurs'); D III,16, P 15; V I,8; ventral fin originates beyond the vertical of the posterior margin of the pectoral fin insertion; anal fin originates beneath the last ray of the dorsal fin (Ref. 90261).
Body shape (shape guide): fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Kotlyar, A.N., 2012. Revision of genus Melamphaes (Melamphaidae): Part 4. Multi-raker species: M. ebelingi, M. occlusus sp. nova, and M. nikolayi sp. nova. Vopr. Ikhtiol. 52 (3):279-287. J. Ichthyol. 52(4):247-254. (Ref. 90261)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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