Order Argentiniformes(marine smelts). Family Microstomatidae(Pencil smelts) Slender argentine Microstoma microstoma(Risso, 1810). Max length/21.0 cm TL Korean name/seul-len-deo-ar-jen-tin(=Slender argentine) Chinese name/小口兔鲑 Australian name/Slender smallmouth D/spines 0, soft ray 10~12. A/ spines 0, soft ray 7~9. Vertebrae/44 - 45.
Distribution; Probably worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas. Eastern Atlantic: southern Ireland, scattered records in western Mediterranean, also Madeira Islands. Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico. Western Pacific: Australia and New Zealand. General; Body silvery, darker near tail. Swim bladder faintly colored. Adults mostly silver. Mesopelagic species. Generally solitary. Probably feeds on zooplankton including other fish, and its feces.. Spawns throughout the year in the Mediterranean, more in winter.
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