Dolichopteryx longipes (Vaillant, 1888)
Brownsnout spookfish
photo by OCEANA

Family:  Opisthoproctidae (Barreleyes or spookfishes)
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 500 - 2400 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Probably worldwide in temperate and tropical waters. Eastern Pacific: California Current region (Ref. 35626). South China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal soft rays: 8-9; Vertebrae: 46-47. Body deep. Short pectoral fins, long ventral fins. Relatively large head and absence of ventral light organs. Line of dark chromatophores along the body below lateral line (Ref. 37473).
Biology:  Oceanic and mesopelagic species (Ref. 6686). Taken regularly at depths shallower than 458 m, with scientific deep-sea fishing gear. Feed mainly on small crustaceans, particularly copepods (Ref. 4525). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 35626) and eggs (Ref. 6686). Paedomorphic (Ref. 35626).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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