Argentinolycus elongatus (Smitt, 1898)
Argentinolycus elongatus
photo by Delpiani, M.S.

Family:  Zoarcidae (Eelpouts), subfamily: Lycodinae
Max. size:  14.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: Puerto Madryn, Argentina to Tierra del Fuego in the south.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongated and depressed neurocranium; parasphenoid wing is broad and without dorsal ramus projecting above ventral base of trigeminofacialis foramen; articulating frontal and parasphenoid; enlarged pterosphenoid; intercalar very small and set posteriorly; separate frontal bones, the frontal corner tapering; parietals meet in dorsal mid-line; small supraoccipital, with exoccipital narrowly articulating posteriorly; sphenotic excluded from parietal by frontal and pterotic; posterior ramus of hyomandibula is elongated; well developed palatopterygoid series; ectopterygoid overlap both anterior and dorsal surface of quadrate; ceratohyal-epihyal juncture with bone interdigitating along its entire length; 6 branchiostegal rays; 7-8 suborbital bones, its canal with 6 pores; no posttemporal ventral ramus; scapular foramen enclosed, scapula with well developed posterior strut; postcleithrum present; vertebrae asymmetrical, 22-24+62-69 = 84-90; well developed oral valve; gill slit extending ventrally to slightly below lower end of pectoral-fin base; absence of interorbital or occipital pores and commissure across parietals; suborbital pores along ventral ramus (6+0); nasal pores 2; only postorbital pore 4; lateral line mediolateral complete; no pyloric caeca; pelvic-fin membranes excised at tip; presence of scales, palatine and vomerine teeth (Ref. 90127).
Biology:  Inhabits the intertidal zone to about 40 m (Ref. 11954).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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