HomeFish encyclopediaRay-finned fishesSmeltsSlickheadsSmallscale smooth-head Smallscale smooth-head (Bathytroctes microlepis) Scientific name: Bathytroctes microlepis G?nther, 1878 The Smallscale smooth-head (Bathytroctes microlepis) is a marine fish of the family Alepocephalidae. BiologyCheeks or the upper part of the operculum without scales (less than 2 scale rows below the postorbital canal). Transverse scale rows at least ten more than the lateral line (rarely less than 10).Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameBathytroctes microlepisFamilyAlepocephalidae (Slickheads)OrderOsmeriformes (Smelts)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length32.3Depth range0–4900 m (0–16076 ft)EnvironmentMarine; bathypelagic; depth range 0 - 4900 m, usually ? - 1800 mClimateDeep-waterDistributionEastern Atlantic: off southwestern Ireland, Bay of Biscay southward to Namibia including Azores and Madeira Islands. Elsewhere, western Atlantic, South China Sea, southeast Pacific and in tropical waters of the eastern Indian Ocean.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessResilienceLow, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (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