Atlantic soft pout (Melanostigma atlanticum) fish species and information / pictures of Atlantic soft pout - Melanostigma atlanticum

Atlantic soft pout (Melanostigma atlanticum) fish species information

Scientific Name
Melanostigma atlanticum

Common Name
Atlantic soft pout

Biology
Occurs in midwater over the continental slope. Mostly found from 365-550 m depth, but enters shallower water in the northern part of range (Ref. 7251); prefers salinity of 33.4-34.7 ppt. (Ref. 5951). Bathypelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on foraminifera, copepods, and ostracods (Ref. 9731).

Classification

Classified By
Koefoed, 1952
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Perch-like fish (Perciformes)
Family
Eelpouts (Zoarcidae)

Distribution

Region
Northwest Atlantic
Distribution
Northwest Atlantic: New Brunswick in Canada to Virginia in USA. Eastern Atlantic: Off the western coast of Scotland and in the Mediterranean (Gulf of Genoa; also off Spain) (Ref. 4695), Faeroe-Iceland Ridge and between Cap Blanc, Mauritania and the Canary Islands (Ref. 6950).
Range
65°N - 37°N

Environment

Climate
Deep-water
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
400 m
Depth To - meters
1853 m
Zone
bathyalpelagic
Environment
Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 400 - 1853 m (Ref. 58426)
Trophic Level
3 s.e. 0.00 Based on diet studies.
Occurs in Marine / Salt water
True
Occurs in Brackish water
False
Occurs in Fresh Water
False
Occurs on Reefs
False
Is kept in Aquariums
False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length
15.0 cm
Common Length
Unknown cm
Phylogenetic Diversity Index
PD50 = 0.5078 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses
Unknown
Vulnerability
Low vulnerability (25 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tmax>3)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Not Evaluated