Common Name
Toothless Smoothhead
Year Described
Alcock, 1892
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 23-29
Anal Fin: 30-35
Pectoral Fin: 9-12
Pelvic Fin: 5-6
Gill Rakers: 20-24 (total in first arch)
Vertebrae: 54-56 total
Body moderately elongate and slender, with a very large head. Eyes placed far forward on head. Eye diameter about equal to snout length. Snout pointed with a straight forehead profile. Rear margin of jaw extends beyond posterior margin of orbit. Teeth minute. Dorsal fin origin slightly posterior to anal fin origin (anal fin slightly longer). Pectoral and pelvic fins very small. Pectoral fin short and fan-like. Scales moderate.
Color
Anterior half of body dark blue-black, becoming dark gray posteriorly.
Size
Maximum size to 18cm SL.
Habitat
Mesopelagic from 700-1,200m.
Range
Northwestern Atlantic: off George's Bank
References
Whitehead, P.J.P. , M.-L. Bauchot, J.-C. Hureau, J.G. Nielsen and E. Tortonese. 1986. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Vol. I-III. UNESCO. Fishes of the North-eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. http://species-identification.org.