Trachonurus gagates Iwamoto & McMillan, 1997
Velvet whiptail
Trachonurus gagates
photo by Graham, K.

Family:  Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Max. size:  47.8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 436 - 1240 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Australia and New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-8. Without a grooved lateral line. Chin barbel 4-8 % of head length. Suborbital width, 13-15%; postorbital length of head 50-55%. Total gill rakers of first arch (mesial) 11-13; second arch (lateral or mesial) 10-13/10-12. Scale rows below mid-base of first dorsal 25-31; over a distance equal to predorsal length usually 35-42; and between pelvic fin base and gill cover 11-14. Mouth moderately large; lips thick and fleshy (Ref. 13675).
Biology:  A benthic species found on the continental slope (Ref. 75154).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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