Latin name

Aspidophoroides monopterygius

Other name

Aleutian alligatorfish, Atlantic alligatorfish.

Identification

The body of the alligatorfish is covered with large bony plates forming longitudinal rows, these plates put him in a shell. In the dorsal-lateral row of these fish: 17 plates in front of the dorsal fin, under the base of the dorsal fin 6, and behind it 22; altogether 45 plates, but not more than 48. The mouth is small, the teeth are small. The anal opening is offset forward under the pectoral fins and is usually very close to the base of the pelvic fins, which are located under or in front of the pectoral fin bases.

Features of fish fins

The length of the pectoral fin in fish of this species is noticeably shorter than the length of the head. The length of the caudal fin is equal to the length of the base of the anal fin. The rays on all fins are unbranched.

Fish colouring

The body coloration of the alligatorfish is uniformly dark brown, and the fins are transparent.

Distribution

It is a temperate marine fish known from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, including western Greenland, Labrador, Canada, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA.

Habitat

Demersal species. It inhabits depths from 0 to 695 meters, but most commonly around 60-150 meters. It is mainly found year-round on sandy and muddy bottoms on the lower continental shelf. It prefers a temperature range of -1.07 to 2.52°C.

Size

Males of this species can reach a maximum total length of 22 centimeters, but most commonly reach 14.2 centimeters.

Behavior

Alligatorfish are inhabitants of cold seas. It is a fish of the coastal strip of the sea, but often found far from the coast within the continental shelf and even the continental slope. They are usually found as individuals, but sometimes trawls bring them in significant numbers (up to 1000 specimens). They are poor swimmers and do not migrate.

Food and feeding habits

The diet of alligatorfish consists of bottom crustaceans and benthic fauna, mainly bristle worms, amphipods, krill.

Reproduction

Spawning of these fish is usually one-time. The eggs are sticky, large, with a thick shell.

Fishing

Alligatorfish have no commercial value.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Not to be eaten.