Smooth seabass (Malakichthys levis)

Scientific name: Malakichthys levis Yamanoue & Matsuura, 2002

The Smooth seabass (Malakichthys levis) is a marine fish of the family Acropomatidae. Native range: Eastern Indian Ocean, northern Australia, from the North West Cape, Western Australia to Cape Arnhem, Northern Territory.

Biology

Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8. This species is distinct in having the following characters: no paired spines on chin; proximal-middle radial of first anal-fin pterygiophore is broad with cone-shaped hollow lacking lamellar septum; well developed lateral wing; A III, 8; pectoral-fin rays 14; gill rakers on lower arm 20-23; 49-53 scales on lateral line; 5-7 transverse scale rows above lateral line; body depth 26-35% SL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Malakichthys levis
Family: Acropomatidae (Lanternbellies, temperate ocean-basses)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 15.9
Depth range: 143–256 m (469–840 ft)
Environment: Marine; bathypelagic; depth range 143 - 256 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Eastern Indian Ocean: northern Australia, from the North West Cape, Western Australia to Cape Arnhem, Northern Territory.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

Last updated 27 September 2026