| Family: |
Sternoptychidae (Marine hatchetfishes), subfamily: Sternoptychinae |
| Max. size: |
4.56 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathypelagic; marine |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: New Caledonia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal soft rays: 15-15; Vertebrae: 32-32. This member of the Polyipnus spinosus species group has the following unique characters: with a single OVB photophore (vs. three in other members); VAV, ACA and ACB photophores form a nearly continuous series in the form of a shallow, sigmoidal curve along the ventral margin of the body from the pelvic-fin base to near the insertion of the posteriormost anal-fin ray (vs. a noticeable space between the VAV and ACA photophores in other members except P. fraseri with no ACA photophores, but there is a gap between the VAV and ACB photophores); and the ACA photophores are separate from each other, not united in a common organ; a combination of the following features further serve to distinguish the new species - relatively large eye with diameter 22.4 % SL; with spines on photophore scales of PV, VAV, ACB, and ACC clusters; with bifurcated posttemporal spines with prominent serration; ACB photophores 6; gill rakers 25 on left side, and 26 on right; a long and broad lateral pigment bar extending below the lateral midline (Ref. 115573). |
| Biology: |
|
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 July 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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