Latin name

Rhodichthys melanocephalus

Identification

The blackheads trainer snailfish is characterized by the following features:

body shape: elongate;

cross-section: oval;

nnumber of vertebrae: 62-66;

preanal length: 36.3-37.4% of body length;

head length: 25.3-27%6% of body length; 

occipital distance (from the posterior margin of the eye to the tip of the gill cover) is large at 14.3%-15.5% of body length;

the teeth are sharp, closely set, and distinctly projecting with some posterior teeth being much larger than the rest; 

the posterior margin of the gill cover is pointed between the rigid ends of the gill rays.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal soft rays (total): 54 - 58.

This species' pectoral fin consists of two widely separated lobes. The upper lobe has 13 (11–14) rays. The pectoral fin notch contains four to seven rudimentary rays that are shortened at the base and completely hidden in the skin, making them visible only in preparations.

Fish colouring

The blackhead strainer snailfish has a brownish-black head and anterior body. Their gill cavity and mouth are also black.

Distribution

The blackhead strainer snailfish is common in the Arctic Ocean. Norwegian Sea.

Habitat

This is a deep-sea marine species with a habitat depth range of 1,470 to 695 meters.

Size

Males of this species reach a maximum length of 10.4 cm, while females reach a maximum length of 12.5 cm.

Behavior

This species of fish has undergone many molecular adaptations in order to survive the intense pressures of the deep-sea environment.

Food and feeding habits

The larvae feed on plankton, small paddlefish, and amphipods. The adults' diet consists mostly of fish.

Reproduction

The blackhead strainer snailfish spawn seasonally and over relatively long periods of time. They lay large eggs, up to 9.4 mm in diameter.

Fishing

This species is not commercially important.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.