Common Name
Southern Duckbill Barracudina
Year Described
Rofen, 1963
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 9-11
Anal Fin: 21-24
Pectoral Fin: 14-17
Pelvic Fin: 9
Lateral Line:
Vertebrae: 68-73
Body and most of head completely covered in deciduous scales. Lower jaw with teeth minute to missing entirely.
Color
Body silvery with a darker dorsum. Peritoneum and pectoral fin black. Juveniles with 3 pigmented peritoneal sections.
Size
Maximum size to 550mm SL.
Habitat
Mesopelagic. Adults spawning in lower latitudes.
Range
Widespread in the southern ocean and up the eastern coast of South America.
References
Post, A. 1985. Paralepididae. In: Fischer, W. and Hureau, J-C. (Eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Southern Ocean (Fishing areas 48, 58 and 88). Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Rome.