Ventrifossa vinolenta Iwamoto & Merrett, 1997

Family:  Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Max. size:  23 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 745 - 825 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: known only from the Chesterfield and Bellona Plateau west of New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2. Pelvic rays rarely 9; snout relatively long and pointed, 27-32 % HL; preoral 19-25% HL, orbit diameter 32-36%; length upper jaw 37-38%; inner gill rakers first arch 12-14; dorsolateral dark streak extending from parietal region to end of tail; dorsum above dark streak distinctly pale; leading edge of snout with black margin, extending posteriorly over supranarial ridges and dorsal rim of orbits; no median snout streak; base of first dorsal pale, but rays proximally black, distally fading to pale; lips blackish, ascending process of premaxillary black; mouth mostly black but with pale areas; small species, probably less than 30 cm TL.
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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