Latin name

Melanocetus rossi

Identification

Distinguishing features of female: almost straight anterior margin of scopus; smallest external width between anterior teeth 16.9% of length; upper jaw with 33 teeth, lower jaw with 48 teeth; 6 anterior teeth; length of longest tooth in lower jaw 8.6% SL; width of pectoral fin blade 10.4% SL; width of crestal bulb 3.7% SL; length of base 29.2% SL; crest with medial ridge, absence of anterior and posterior ridges; relatively thick cover.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal soft rays (total): 14; Anal soft rays: 5. 

Pelvic fins are absent. All fins are rounded, with slightly incised webs; pectoral fins are small. The single dorsal fin is located well behind the head, larger than and above the posterior anal fin.

Fish colouring

The body colour of this species is dark brown.

Distribution

Southern Ocean: Only known from the Ross Sea.

Habitat

This fish is mesopelagic. The only human-caught specimen was found in the Ross Sea at a depth of 390 metres.

Size

The maximum length of the female is 11.8 cm.

Behavior

Females do not swim well and spend most of their time motionless, waiting for someone to approach their bait. 

Food and feeding habits

Females use their bioluminescent "fishing poles" to attract prey, including crustaceans and small fish. They have highly expandable stomachs that allow them to swallow prey larger than themselves.

Reproduction

Little is known about how they reproduce: it is thought that they do not guard, but release floating eggs into the water, which become part of the zooplankton.

Fishing

This species is of no interest to fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.