Valenciennellus tripunctulatus

Valencienellus tripunctulatus, Constellationfish. Source: Weitzman 1986.
Valencienellus tripunctulatus, Constellationfish.
Source: Weitzman 1986.
FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SternoptychidaeValenciennellus tripunctulatus(Esmark)1871Constellationfish

Valenciennellus tripunctulatus

Sternoptychidae, Marine Hatchetfishes. Source: FAO 2002
Sternoptychidae, Marine Hatchetfishes.
Source: FAO 2002
Valenciennellus sp. Source: FAO 2002.
Valenciennellus sp.
Source: FAO 2002.

Unique Characteristics: Body fusiform, greatest body depth 3.7-7.7 in Standard Length. Dorsal blade and iliac spines absent. AC photophores in 3-6 groups, each of 2-4 photophores; IP in 2 groups, of 3 and 4 photophores. Gill rakers on first arch 12 or 13 on upper limb and 2-4 on lower limb, total 14-16.

Similar Species: None

References: Weitzman, S.H. 1986. Family No. 75: Sternoptychidae. In Smith’s sea fishes, edited by M.M. Smith and P.C. Heemstra. Johannesburg, Macmillan South Africa, pp. 253-259.