Western softhead grenadier (Malacocephalus occidentalis)

Scientific name: Malacocephalus occidentalis Goode & Bean, 1885

Western softhead grenadier (Malacocephalus occidentalis)

The Western softhead grenadier (Malacocephalus occidentalis) is a marine fish of the family Macrouridae. Native range: Atlantic Ocean, in tropical and warm-temperate waters.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0. Snout short, narrow, weakly pointed. Chin barbel relatively long, about equal in length to eye diameter. Space between first and second dorsal fins wide. Overall color blackish, upper lateral and leading edge of snout, orbital rims, lower margin of suborbital, lips and gular membrane black.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Malacocephalus occidentalis
Family
Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Order
Gadiformes (Cods)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
45.0
Common length
35.0
Depth range
140–1945 m (459–6381 ft)
Environment
Marine; bathydemersal; non-migratory; depth range 140 - 1945 m, usually 300 - 500 m
Climate
Deep-water
Distribution
Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and warm-temperate waters.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

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

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