California slickhead

Alepocephalus tenebrosus

FAMILY

Alepocephalidae

TAXONOMY

Alepocephalus tenebrosus Gilbert, 1892, Santa Barbara Channel, California, United States, 359–822 fathoms (2,154–4,932 ft/655–1,500 m).

OTHER COMMON NAMES

None known.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Total length about 23.6 in (60 cm), moderately sized, fusiform, laterally compressed; dorsal fin posteriorly placed; adipose fin absent. Skull translucent, body brown to black. Swim bladder absent.

DISTRIBUTION

North Pacific from Bering Sea to California; southeastern Pacific, Chile.

HABITAT

Marine. Deep waters, oceanic at depths 150–18,045 ft (46–5,500 m).

BEHAVIOR

Little is known about the biology and behavior. However, other slickheads are gregarious, forming large schools close to the bottom.

FEEDING ECOLOGY AND DIET

Larvae and juveniles ingest benthic and planktonic crustaceans. Others feed on squids, arrow worms, comb jellies, and other deep-sea fishes such as anglerfishes.

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Eggs and larvae are pelagic.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Not listed by the IUCN.

SIGNIFICANCE TO HUMANS

Not commercially sought after due to soft texture.