Macroramphosus Lacepede, 1803
Diagnosis: body compressed (16.7-36% of SL) with a long tubular snout (28.6-40% of SL), 2 dorsal fins (IV-VIII + 10-14), second spine of first dorsal fin very strong (8.6-38.9% of SL). Colour: larvae and juveniles silvery, the back bluish-black; adults pinkish or reddish on upper sides. Size: to 20 cm; usually 10-14 cm.
Habitat: juveniles to about 10 cm live pelagically in oceanic waters; adults close to bottom (normally in 50-150 m depth). Gregarious. Food: pelagic invertebrates, mainly copepods; also bottom invertebrates for the adults. Reproduction: commonly October-March (subtropical northeastern Atlantic).
Distribution: whole Mediterranean, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, mainly in temperate latitudes between 20° and 40° N.
See family also.
Species 1.
Species of this genus in the program:
Macroramphosus scolopax