Common Name
Longbase Blindfish
Year Described
Nielsen, 2016
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 58
Anal Fin: 31-39
Pectoral Fin: 13-15
Pelvic Fin: absent
Caudal Fin: 7-9
Gill Rakers: 8-9 tiny
Vertebrae: 65-67 (37 precaudal)
Elongate and translucent, with loose gelatinous skin. Head large and flattened; only slightly broader than body. Snout squared off and forehead flat. Interorbital width 5-6% SL. Eyes tiny and dark but buried under the skin. Mouth oblique. Jaws, palatine, and vomer with small teeth but no fangs. Caudal region (post-anus) of the body very short (<30% SL). Pseudobranchs not developed. Gill rakers not long. Body scaleless. Anal fin origin under dorsal ray 19-25.
Color
Translucent brown with black eyes.
Size
Ranges from 53-75mm SL.
Habitat
Abyssal from 4790-5105m.
Range
Known from two specimens off the Bahamas and Madeira.
References
Nielsen, J. 2016. Revision of the genera Meteoria and Parasciadonus (Bythitidae) with a new Atlantic, abyssal species of Meteoria. Cybium, 40(3), 215-223.
Other Notes
Differentiated from the related Meteoria erythrops but head shape, dorsal length, narrower head, and number of pre-dorsal vertebrae.