Animalia Life

Scopeloberyx robustus
FAMILY
Melamphaidae
TAXONOMY
Melamphaes robustus Gьnther, 1887, Eastern Atlantic.
OTHER COMMON NAMES
English: Ridgehead; Japanese: Tate-kabuto-uo.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Length 2.8–3.9 in (7.3–10 cm). Head large (from 36 to 45% of standard length), with many bony ridges and deep sensory canals; elongate mouth reaching posteriorly well beyond relatively small eyes; large cycloid scales; 19–25 gill rakers; single dorsal fin originating at midlength, with 2–3 spines and 9–13 rays; anal fin posterior to dorsal, with a single spine and 7–9 rays; pelvic fins well posterior to head and with a single spine and 6–8 rays; pectoral fins elongate, reaching to level of middorsal fin, with 11–14 rays; caudal fin with some 20 rays; small teeth in 2–4 rows in upper and lower jaws. Coloration dark brown (at least in preservative).
DISTRIBUTION
Cosmopolitan in all major oceans except the Mediterranean Sea and Arctic Ocean. Reported to be common around the Commander Islands.
HABITAT
Meso- and bathypelagic; adults usually at depths of 1,640– 11,102 ft (500–3,384 m), juveniles in slightly shallower waters.
BEHAVIOR
Nothing known.
FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET
Unknown, but because of its relatively wide gape it may consume fishes.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Probably lays pelagic eggs.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not threatened.
SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS
None known.

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