HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesScorpionfishes and FlatheadsSnailfishesBlack ribbed snailfish Black ribbed snailfish (Paraliparis costatus) Scientific name: Paraliparis costatus Stein, Chernova & Andriashev, 2001 The Black ribbed snailfish (Paraliparis costatus) 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): 62-66; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 56 - 57; Vertebrae: 70 - 71. Caudal-fin rays 8; pectoral fin-notch moderately deep, dividing fin into 2 distinct lobes; pectoral girdle with 4 radials; snout high, blunt, and large; nasal pores widely spaced, chin pores not in a pit and without skin fold anteriorly; anterior 7-8 epineural and epipleural ribs straight, elongated, thickened; keel-like lateral ridge protruding along and above anterior part of abdominal cavity; gill opening lower end below eye level; head 19.3-19.8% SL; preanal length about 40% SL; body black; orobranchial cavity black-dotted to black; peritoneum black.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameParaliparis costatusFamilyLiparidae (Snailfishes)OrderScorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length20.4Depth range1042–1370 m (3419–4495 ft)EnvironmentMarine; bathydemersal; depth range 1042 - 1370 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