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Faintbanded Whiptail Coelorinchus amydrozosterus Iwamoto & Williams, 1999
[CAAB 37 232104]

Distribution Map see an interactive map here (new window)

Distribution, ecology and habitat:

Indo-west Pacific; bathydemersal on continental slope in 300-700 m, most common in 400-500 m.

Size:

Small species to 25 cm TL

Food and feeding:

Reproduction and early life history:

Characteristics:

D I, 8-10; P 21-22; V 7; GR 13-14; BR 6; PC 15-16.
Snout short, broad, tipped with with small blunt scute, anterolateral margin incompletely supported by bone, with translucent naked areas dorsally on each side behind leading edge; underside of head and nasal fossa naked; series of modified scales forming a weak but distinct ridge on midline of nape; mouth small, upper jaw reaches to mid-orbit or beyond, eye large, orbits longer than snout and postorbital lengths; chin barbel short. Fins well-developed, first dorsal fin high, without prolonged spinous ray, pelvic fins with slightly prolonged outer ray. Body scales with 8-12 or more parallel rows of small spinules. Anus immediately before anal fin origin; naked fossa of light organ large, extending to midline between pelvic-fin bases.

Colour:

Overall dusky dorsally, creamy to white ventrally, with 12-13 faint saddle marks, anterior four saddles angled diagonally forwards, saddles more pronounced posteriorly; dark area around ventral light organ, small black blotch on opercle; first dorsal fin dark to dusky, pale at base and posteriormost rays, pectoral fin clear to light dusky, pelvic fins with blackish blotch; anal fin dusky with fine, scattered speckles; orbits with narrow, black anterior rim, lips, gums cream, mouth dark.

Similar species:

Fisheries:

None

Conservation Status:

Remarks:

Other common names:

Original citation:

Caelorhinchus amydrozosterus Iwamoto & Williams, 1999, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 127, fig.7, 42 km southwest of Portland, Australia.

Etymology:

References:

Iwamoto, T., Y.N. Shcherbachev & B. Marquardt. 2004. Grenadiers (Gadiformes, Teleostei) of Walters Shoals, southwestern Indian Ocean, with description of a new "west-wind drift" species. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 55(10): 190-207.

Iwamoto, T. & Williams, A. 1999. Grenadiers (Pisces, Gadiformes) from the continental slope of western and northwestern Australia. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 105-243, figs. 1-58.