Melanostigma atlanticum Koefoed, 1952
Atlantic soft pout
Melanostigma atlanticum
photo by Mac Eachern, W.J.

Family:  Zoarcidae (Eelpouts), subfamily: Gymnelinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 400 - 1853 m
Distribution:  Northwest Atlantic: New Brunswick in Canada to Virginia in USA. Eastern Atlantic: Off the western coast of Scotland and in the Mediterranean (Gulf of Genoa; also off Spain) (Ref. 4695), Faeroe-Iceland Ridge and between Cap Blanc, Mauritania and the Canary Islands (Ref. 6950).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in midwater over the continental slope. Mostly found from 365-550 m depth, but enters shallower water in the northern part of range (Ref. 7251); prefers salinity of 33.4-34.7 ppt. (Ref. 5951). Bathypelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on foraminifera, copepods, and ostracods (Ref. 9731).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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