Ventrifossa gomoni Iwamoto & Williams, 1999
Pale smiling whiptail

Family:  Macrouridae (Grenadiers or rattails)
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 376 - 450 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 2-2. Pelvic fin rays 8-9; first dorsal fin dusky proximally, paler distally, no distinct black blotch or streak; a dark streak along leading edge of snout, with a median extension atop snout; barbel 22-35% of head length, about 75-130% of orbit diameter; orbit diameter 1.3-2.1 into postorbital length of head; outer premaxillary teeth distinctly enlarged, mandibular teeth in two irregular rows; ground color of body in preserved specimens light brown, dorsum of trunk and tail not strongly demarcated from lateral and ventral surfaces; suborbital shelf broad, not constricted anteriorly, blackish streak covers shelf broadly or narrowly, but confined along dorsal portions. Snout protruding, angular.
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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