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Graceful Whiptail Coelorinchus charius Iwamoto & Williams, 1999
[CAAB 37 232105]

Distribution Map see an interactive map here (new window)

Distribution, ecology and habitat:

Endemic Australian species in tropical and subtropical waters off Western Australia; bathydemersal on continental slope at 420-691 m.

Size:

To 37 cm TL.

Food and feeding:

Reproduction and early life history:

unknown

Characteristics:

D II, 8-9; P 17-19; GR (inner) 2+6; BR 7-9; PC
Snout moderate in adults to long in juveniles, sharply pointed, anterolateral margin completely supported by bone; mouth relatively small, upper jaw extending posteriorly below hind margin of pupil, jaw teeth small, in broad, short bands on premaxillary teeth, in narrow bands on mandible; chin barbel short (about equal to or less than length posterior nostril), gill openings restricted by membrane. Nasal fossa with scattered scales ventrally, underside of head with small, finely spinulated scales except along mouth border; body scales short with overlapping spinules in 4-7 divergent rows, none broad-based or enlarged. Anus separated from anal-fin origin by one to two scale rows. Anus removed from the anal fin by one or two scale rows, light organ visible as a short, naked black fossa anterior to anus.

Colour:

Overall light brownish, grey dorsally, faintly bluish over abdomen, pale with ivory to silvery reflections ventrally; underside of head whitish, anterior snout margin slightly dusky, lips, gums, barbel and anterior margin of mouth cavity cream. No prominent markings on fins. Fins pale dusky, without prominent markings, pelvic fins dark to dusky, outer ray white distally.

Similar species:

Fisheries:

none

Conservation Status:

Remarks:

Other common names:

Original citation:

Coelorinchus charius Iwamoto & Williams, 1999, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 132, fig.9, off Shark Bay, WA.

Etymology:

References:

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.

Williams, A., Last, P.R., Gomon, M.F. & J.R. Paxton. 1996. Species composition and checklist of the demersal ichthyofauna of the ocntinental slope off Western Australia (20-35°). Rec. West. Aust. Mus. 18: 135-155 [as Coelorinchus sp. E].