Scopelengys tristis
Scopelengys tristis Alcock, 1890
Pacific blackchin
Scopelengys tristis
photo by JAMARC


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Family:  Neoscopelidae (Blackchins)
Max. size:  20 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathypelagic; marine; depth range 400 - 1830 m, oceanodromous
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: 6°N to 34°S. Probably Somalia (Ref. 30573). Western Pacific. Eastern Pacific: southern California, USA to Chile. Western Atlantic: off Venezuela (Ref. 6690) and Guianas (Ref. 13608). Eastern Atlantic: Morocco to Angola; one record from South Africa (Ref. 6604). South China Sea and East China Sea (Ref.74511).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-13; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Uniform brown in color, mouth and belly darker (Ref. 6604). Branchiostegal rays: 8 (Ref. 36062). Lacks luminous organs and a gas bladder (Ref. 36062).
Biology:  High-oceanic and bathypelagic (Ref. 6604). Adults usually found below about 1,000 m, but juveniles found between 500-800 m. No evidence of vertical migration (Ref. 6604). Feed mainly on small crustaceans. Sexually mature from about 15.2 cm (Ref. 4525). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae (Ref. 36062).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 July 2012 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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