Western softhead grenadier (Malacocephalus occidentalis) fish species and information / pictures of Western softhead grenadier - Malacocephalus occidentalis

Western softhead grenadier (Malacocephalus occidentalis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Malacocephalus occidentalis

Common Name
Western softhead grenadier

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Snout short, narrow, weakly pointed. Chin barbel relatively long, about equal in length to eye diameter. Space between first and second dorsal fins wide. Overall color blackish, upper lateral and leading edge of snout, orbital rims, lower margin of suborbital, lips and gular membrane black.

Classification

Classified By
Goode & Bean, 1885
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Cods (Gadiformes)
Family
Grenadiers or rattails (Macrouridae)

Distribution

Region
Atlantic Ocean
Distribution
Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and warm-temperate waters.
Range
43°N - 37°S, 98°W - 13°E

Environment

Climate
Deep-water
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
140 m
Depth To - meters
1945 m
Zone
bathydemersal
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; non-migratory; depth range 140 - 1945 m (Ref. 2683), usually 300 - 500 m (Ref. 1371)
Trophic Level
3.69 s.e. 0.59 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
45.0 cm
Common Length
35.0 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
Fisheries: minor commercial
Vulnerability
Moderate to high vulnerability (48 of 100)
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)
Threat To Humans
  Harmless
IUCN Red List Status
  Least Concern (LC)