| Myctophidae (Lanternfishes), subfamily: Diaphinae |
| 9.6 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
|
bathypelagic; marine; depth range 642 - 1030 m |
| Northwest Pacific: Emperor Seamount Chain |
|
Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-14; Anal soft rays: 12-14. This species is distinguished from most of the Diaphus fulgens species complex members, except D. rafinesquii (North Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea) and D. kuroshio (Kuroshio Zone in the North Pacific), by having a higher gill-raker count 24-28, almost always 25 or more (vs. 14–20). Similar to D. kuroshio in the disposition of photophores (VO5, SAO1, and SAO2 on the same line, AOa1 below level of SAO2, Prc4 its own diameter below lateral line), but differs to the latter by the large luminous scale at PLO, large
Dn, somewhat higher position of SAO3, otolith shape, and larger absolute size (at least 98 mm SL vs. about 70 mm). Otolith of Diaphus balanovi distinguished from the other species united in the Diaphus theta otolith group of Schwarzhans by the following characters: compressed shape with very weakly and uniformly convex outer face, rather steep and irregular predorsal rim, pronounced postdorsal angle, moderately long rostrum (18–19% of otolith length), and with 7-8 (usually eight) denticles along the ventral rim (Ref. 125672). |
| All specimens were collected by bottom trawls with non-closing openings and was quite abundant in catches, contrary to the single specimens of the mesopelagic D. kuroshio and D. metopoclampus in the same hauls, indicating that the new species can be associated with the seamounts and may have a benthopelagic mode of life. The larger absolute size in comparison with its closest relative and possible ancestor (D. kuroshio) supports this assumption (Ref. 125672). |
|
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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