Phylum Chordata Order Argentiniformes | Rank Genus | |
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Family LeptochilichthyidaeN. B. Marshall, 1966 Similar Rouleina, Argentiniformes, Platytroctidae, Microstomatidae, Alepocephalidae | ||
Leptochilichthys is a genus of marine smelts containing four species. Leptochilichthys is the only genus in the family Leptochilichthyidae. Some sources place this genus within the broader family Alepocephalidae.
Contents
Species
The currently recognized species in this genus are:
Description
Species in genus Leptochilichthys have toothless maxillae. The maxillae are considered especially long There are teeth on the palate and dentary. Many long gill rakers are also present. This genus does not exhibit any shoulder sac apparatus. Thirteen branchiostegal rays support the gill membranes behind the lower jaw. There may be 11 to 21 dorsal fin rays, and 11–18 anal fin rays. These species have 47–64 lateral line scales. Species of this genus have between 47 and 58 vertebrae. They can reach up to 31 cm (12 in) in length.
Distribution and habitat
Leptochilichthys species are found in deep sea regions in the eastern Atlantic, western Indian, and eastern and western Pacific Oceans. They are most commonly found at depths of 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) and below, but are in general not well known.
Some species in this genus, particularly L. agassizii, may be bathypelagic.