Description

Dorsal spines (total): 5 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 33 - 36; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Anal soft rays: 31 - 34; Vertebrae: 40 - 43. First dorsal spine longer than second dorsal spine. Opercles fully scaled (Ref. 27159). Female adult chocolate brown in color with darker fins; prejuveniles silvery with numerous dark spots of various sizes which become larger with age (Ref. 6548).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Zeiformes

Family: Oreosomatidae

Genus: Pseudocyttus

Species: Pseudocyttus maculatus Gilchrist, 1906

Climate Zone

Biology

Inhabit continental slopes of all southern continents (Ref. 6545). Adults found near the bottom; juveniles near the surface, usually in association with krill (Ref. 5194). Feed mainly on salps (Ref. 27150). Eggs float near the sea surface and larvae also inhabit surface waters (Ref. 6390). There is no vertical migration during the day or night (Ref. 27150).

Habitat

bathydemersal

Conservation Status

Data deficient

Threat to Humans

Harmless