Image of Laemonema

Description:

Description: Up to 500 mm in total length. not a Bathypterois, but is a Gadidae or Moridae, both of which families have species of this general body form with multiple dorsal fins, a fanlike caudal, but most prominently - elongate, barbel-like pelvic fin-rays. The genus here is probably the Moridae genus Laenomena. This looks like L. laureysi, the Guinean codling, except known only down to 500 m. There are other choices from this area, but the taxonomy of these fishes is not so good. The other option is the genus Urophycis in the Gadidae. Nearly all Laemonema and Urophycis species have a small terminal chin barbel at the tip of the lower jaw (this extends forward and might be visible in a higher quality image). Many species also have the leading ray of the first dorsal fin elongated into a projecting filament. Most species of both genera have the pelvic rays elongated and conjoined for about 1/2 of their length, then they split apart at the distal end.
Item Type: Image
Title: Tripod fish
Copyright: SERPENT project
Species: Laemonema sp.
Behaviour: Swimming above seabed.
Site: Atlantic -- South Atlantic -- Nigeria -- Usan field
Atlantic -- Central Atlantic -- Nigeria -- Usan field
Site Description: Equipment
Depth (m): 750m
Latitude: 3 deg 29' 00" N
Longitude: 7 deg 28' 00" E
Countries: North AfricaNorth Africa
Habitat: Benthic
Rig: Bourbon Diamond
Project Partners: Total EandP Nigeria, Bourbon, Oceaneering
ROV: Millennium 73
Deposited By: Mr Rob Curry
Deposited On: 08 December 2009