Atlantic soft pout (Melanostigma atlanticum)

Scientific name: Melanostigma atlanticum Koefoed, 1952

The Atlantic soft pout (Melanostigma atlanticum) is a marine fish of the family Zoarcidae.

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; prefers salinity of 33.4-34.7 ppt.. Bathypelagic. Feeds on foraminifera, copepods, and ostracods.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Melanostigma atlanticum
Family: Zoarcidae (Eelpouts)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.0
Depth range: 400–1853 m (1312–6079 ft)
Environment: Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 400 - 1853 m
Climate: Deep-water
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), Faeroe-Iceland Ridge and between Cap Blanc, Mauritania and the Canary Islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming tmax>3)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026