Careproctus inflexidens (Careproctus inflexidens)

Latin name

Careproctus inflexidens

Identification

Careproctus: Greek, kara = face + Greek, proktos = anus.  Inflexidens: named for its recurved teeth.

Careproctus inflexidens has a pair of nostrils and an abdominal suction disc, but lacks pseudogill branches. They are similar in shape to tadpoles. They lack scales and have loose, gelatinous skin.

Features of fish fins

The long dorsal fin has 28-82 soft rays and the anal fin has 24-76 soft rays. The dorsal and anal fins merge or almost merge with the caudal fin. 

Fish colouring

The body of Careproctus inflexidens is uniformly dark coloured.

Distribution

Found in the Southern Ocean: Ross Sea.

Habitat

Deep sea species, depth range ? - 2089 м.

Size

Females reach a maximum length of 22.0 cm.

Behavior

This species is little known and nothing is known about its behaviour.

Food and feeding habits

Larvae feed on plankton, small and large paddlefish and amphipods. Adult fish have the largest amount of fish in their diet.

Reproduction

The reproductive biology of this species is also unknown.

Fishing

Careproctus inflexidens is not of interest to commercial fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.