Benthodesmus suluensis Parin, 1976
Philippine frostfish
Balila,  Laying
photo by FAO

Family:  Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes), subfamily: Aphanopodinae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 200 - 500 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Sulu Sea between the Philippines and Sabah, Malaysia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 36-39; Dorsal soft rays (total): 92-99; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 86-92; Vertebrae: 133-137. Body silvery, jaws and opercle blackish. The inside of the mouth and gill cavities black.
Biology:  Probably benthopelagic, juveniles mesopelagic from 200 to 500 m (Ref. 9688).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Type locality, Sulu Sea.


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