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Himantolophus cornifer Bertelsen & Krefft, 1988 |
| Family: | Himantolophidae (Footballfishes) | |||
| Max. size: | 20.8 cm SL (female) | |||
| Environment: | bathypelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 1900 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Indian Ocean: Natal, South Africa. Also known from the western and central Pacific and northwestern and central Atlantic. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 5-5; Anal soft rays: 4-4. Distinguishing characteristics of metamorphosed female: length of illicium 29-35% SL; each primary branch of distal escal appendage with posterior side branch situated near base; length of distal escal appendage increasing from 9% SL in 2.7 cm specimens to 54% SL in 5.2 cm specimen and 72% SL in 9 cm specimen; posterior side branch of distal escal appendage length increasing from 4.3% SL in 2.7 cm specimens to 30% SL in 5.2-9 cm specimens; distal escal appendage lacking small dermal spinules (Ref. 86949). | |||
| Biology: | Males unknown (Ref. 40877). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018. Most recent record was from 29°25'S that was recovered from the stomach of a beached sperm whale (Ref. 85522). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||