HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesScorpionfishes and FlatheadsSnailfishesBiglip snailfish Biglip snailfish (Paraliparis labiatus) Scientific name: Paraliparis labiatus Stein, Chernova & Andriashev, 2001 The Biglip snailfish (Paraliparis labiatus) is a marine fish of the family Liparidae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, west coast of Tasmania, Australia. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 59; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 53; Vertebrae: 66. Caudal-fin rays 8; pectoral girdle with 4 round radials; lateral profile of chin right-angled; chin with thick gelatinous layer, pores protected by anterior skin fold; upper lip wide posteriorly, entirely covering lower lip fold; eye comparatively small, 21% HL, interorbital broad, 44%; lower end of gill opening and uppermost pectoral ray level with lower margin of eye; pectoral rudimentary rays absent; HL 19.3% SL; preanal 35% SL; vertical fins overlapping caudal fin slightly more than half; females with prominent genital papilla; color dark blackish-brown, peritoneum black, tongue grey-dotted.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameParaliparis labiatusFamilyLiparidae (Snailfishes)OrderScorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length15Depth range992–1000 m (3255–3281 ft)EnvironmentMarine; bathydemersal; depth range 992 - 1000 mClimateDeep-waterDistributionEastern Indian Ocean: west coast of Tasmania, Australia.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceHigh, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.) SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026