Hymenogadus gracilis (Gilbert & Hubbs, 1920)
Slender membranehead
Hymenogadus gracilis
photo by Schwarzhans, W.

Family:  Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Max. size:  39.6 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 235.6 g
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 300 - 618 m
Distribution:  Circumglobal, widespread. North Atlantic Ocean (both sides, including the Mediterranean Sea), the Pacific Ocean (off Japan, Philippines, the Sala-y-Gomez Ridge) and the Indian Ocean (east and west coasts of Australia and east coast of Africa).
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: spinous first dorsal fin ray weakly serrated, more distinct near tip of ray; pelvic fin rays 7-10, usually 8-9; gill rakers first arch (outer/inner) 8-12/14-18; large barbel, its length 20-30% HL; short snout length 16-26% HL; very narrow suborbital 4-8% HL; upper jaw length 43-52% HL; a row of enlarged melanophores along lateral mid-line of the tail; cylindrical body (Ref. 97189).
Biology:  Feeds on planktonic crustaceans (Ref. 6187).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 February 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Museum: Off Luzon(Albatross stn. 5292, 162 fms), USNM 78227 (Holotype).


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