Benthodesmus tenuis

Benthodesmus tenuis, Slender Frostfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Benthodesmus tenuis, Slender Frostfish.
Source: FAO 2002.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
TrichiuridaeBenthodesmus tenuis(Gunther)1877Slender Frostfish

All Benthodesmus Species: Caudal fin present, small, and forked. Pelvic fins present, but strongly reduced, modified to a scale-like process (flattened spine) with 0-2 tiny soft rays. Head profile rising very gradually from tip of snout to origin of dorsal fin, without forming a sagittal crest. Spinous part of dorsal fin long (not shorter than half of soft-ray part), with 38-46 not very weak spines well-differing from subsequent rays), divided by notch from soft-ray part.

Benthodesmus tenuis

Unique Characters: Scale-like pelvic fins inserted before pectoral-fin base. Total dorsal-fin elements 125-129.

Similar Species: North Atlantic Frostfish, Benthodesmus simonyi. Scale-like pelvic fins inserted behind pectoral-fin base. Total dorsal-fin elements 148-155.

Benthodesmus simonyi, North Atlantic Frostfish. Source: FAO 2002.
Benthodesmus simonyi, North Atlantic Frostfish.
Source: FAO 2002.