Polyacanthonotus Bleeker, 1874
Common synonym: Macdonaldia Goode and Bean, 1896.
Nearly entire body covered with very small cycloid scales. Dorsal fin with 26-40 short, stout, isolated spines; length of dorsal base greater than gnathoproctal length. Snout long and narrow, length about three times diameter of eye. Distance between gill cover and pectoral insertion equal to or greater than length of pectoral fin. Transition between spines and articulated rays of anal fin gradual, many intermediate rays. Usually less than 4 pyloric caeca, all very short. Teeth of premaxilla identical to those of dentary.
Benthopelagic on the continental slope and rise (500-3,500 m). Known from the Atlantic (including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico), Pacific and Indian Oceans. Feeds on coelenterates, polychaetes, and small crustaceans. Sexual dimorphism exhibited in coloration and size. Sex ratio in favour of females.
Species 3; in Clofnam area 2.
Recent revision: McDowell (1973), Sulak et al. (1984).
Species of this genus in the program:
Polyacanthonotus rissoanus
Polyacanthonotus challengeri