Careproctus rotundifrons Sakurai & Shinohara, 2008
photo by Tibbatts, B.

Family:  Liparidae (Snailfishes)
Max. size:  10.78 cm SL (male/unsexed); 104.4 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 521 - 1100 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 47-50; Anal soft rays: 41-45; Vertebrae: 53-56. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 47-50; A 41-45; pectoral-fin rays 34-40; vertebrae 10-11+42-46=53-56; eye diameter 5.6-7.2% SL; disk length 4.6-7.1% SL; interorbital width 9.9-13.5% SL; outer margin of pectoral fin is slightly notched; pectoral radials 4 (3+1) without notches; ribs 2-3; scapula notch present; pyloric caeca 15-29; dark brown peritoneum; pale colored stomach, oral cavity, and pyloric caeca (Ref. 75204).
Biology:  Mature and immature specimens were captured by bait traps on the sea floor; apparently benthic. This is observed to swim searching for food fallen on the bottom and frequently to stay on the acrylic glass or walls of a tank using the ventral disk from individuals on display at Tokyo Sea Life Park. Captured together with A holosaurid (Aldrovandia affinis), a psychrolutid (Ebinania vermiculata), and 2 zoarcids (Ericandersonia sagamia and Japonolycodes abei) in the same traps in Sagami Bay, indicating the likelihood of their sharing similar habitat. Females have an ovipositor in the abdominal cavity and it is everted to outside the body when the abdominal cavity is pressed (Ref. 75204).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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