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Spiny seadevil (Neoceratias spinifer) — Neoceratiidae

Spiny seadevil

Neoceratias spinifer
Family: Neoceratiidae

The Spiny seadevil (Neoceratias spinifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Neoceratiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–1200.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The spiny seadevil is a rare deep-sea anglerfish (Neoceratiidae) from the bathypelagic zone of the ocean. The female grows to about 6 cm, has a black, scaleless body and lacks the lure that characterises other seadevils; instead, mobile, outward-pointing teeth stand on the jaws. In the dark deep sea it seizes passing prey. The dwarf males live parasitically attached to the female. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spiny seadevil?

The Spiny seadevil has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly black.

Where does the Spiny seadevil live?

The Spiny seadevil lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Spiny seadevil get?

The Spiny seadevil grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Spiny seadevil dangerous to humans?

No, the Spiny seadevil is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stekelige zeeduivel sourced
English name
Spiny seadevil sourced
Scientific name
Neoceratias spinifer
Family
Neoceratiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Black sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1200.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

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