Latin name

Neobathyclupea gracilis

Other name

Neobathyclupea gracilis

Identification

Vertebrae: 31. This species is characterized by the following features: mouth cavity slightly colored; body thin (body length at least 4.5 times the length of the head); head length about three times the length of the head; praeoperculum with a smooth free edge; 16-17 developed gill filaments, the largest of which are 12.1-14.0 times the length of the head.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; anal soft rays: 29-30.

Fish colouring

A pale grayish-brown fish with a darker back, silvery underside, pale mouth, dark gill cavity, and a dark spot at the base of the caudal fin that continues to the anterior rays of the caudal fin.

Distribution

Inhabit the western Pacific Ocean from Taiwan to the Coral Sea and Vanuatu.

Habitat

Tropical marine benthopelagic species. Depth range 400-503 m.

Size

Maximum length 17.4 cm.

Behavior

Mostly they swim alone in the upper part of the bathyal.

Food and feeding habits

There is no information yet on what the species feeds on.

Reproduction

Due to the deep-sea habitat of this species, its reproduction has not been studied.

Fishing

Not interesting for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.