Melanostigma atlanticum Koefoed, 1952
Atlantic soft pout
Melanostigma atlanticum
photo by Flescher, D.

 Family:  Zoarcidae (Eelpouts), subfamily: Gymnelinae
 Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  bathypelagic; depth range 400 - 1853 m
 Distribution:  Northwest Atlantic: New Brunswick in Canada to Virginia in USA. Eastern Atlantic: Off the western coast of Scotland and in the Mediterranean (Gulf of Genoa; also off Spain) (Ref. 4695), Faeroe-Iceland Ridge and between Cap Blanc, Mauritania and the Canary Islands (Ref. 6950).
 Diagnosis:   
 Biology:  Occurs in midwater over the continental slope. Mostly found from 365-550 m depth, but enters shallower water in the northern part of range (Ref. 7251); prefers salinity of 33.4-34.7 ppt. (Ref. 5951). Bathypelagic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on foraminifera, copepods, and ostracods (Ref. 9731).
 IUCN Red List Status:   (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Froese, Rainer - 01.05.91
 Modified by: Reyes, Rodolfo B. - 18.07.13
 Checked by: Torres, Armi G. - 27.08.94

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