Description

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Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13. Body greyish-black to bluish black in color; top of head, gill isthmus and branchiostegal membranes black (Ref. 3974). Deeply pigmented sheath of lateral line. Absence of scales on the top of the head and presence of scales on the opercular bone (Ref. 37108).

Common Names

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Halosaur černý , Czech , Czechia

Abyssal halosaur , English , New Zealand

Abyssal halosaur , English , UK

Black halosaur , English , Australia

Halosaur , English , Azores Is.

Kiilassaurus , Estonian , Estonia

Longnaze rayé , French , France

Longnaze rayé , French , Crozet Is.

Kuroobi-tokagegisu , Japanese , Japan

短吻拟海蜥鱼 , Mandarin Chinese , China

短吻擬海蜥魚 , Mandarin Chinese , China

Taxonomic Hierarchy

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Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Notacanthiformes

Family: Halosauridae

Genus: Halosauropsis

Species: Halosauropsis macrochir (Günther, 1878)

Climate Zone

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bathydemersal

Location

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Biology

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Found on the lower slope, continental rise and upper abyss, primarily between 4° and 2°C isotherms. Feeds on polychaetes, crustaceans, echinoderms and echiurids. Hovers above or rests on bottom. Long slender pectorals are commonly held erect pointing upward and forward, these may serve a sensory function (Ref. 6727).

Habitat

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bathydemersal