Author: Norman, 1930
Argyropelecus gigas Norman, 1930
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Argyropelecus gigas Norman, 1930 (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: body laterally compressed, deep, profile with fleshy elevation between third and fourth dorsal spines and raised markedly posterior to blade (fishes over 20 mm SL); snout profile angular; eye tubular, directed dorsally; mouth vertical; gillrakers on first arch 18-22; branchiostegal rays 10, 3 on epihyal. Dorsal finrays 9 followed by a dorsal adipose fin; dorsal blade high, in adults its height more than one-third its length; pectoral finrays 10 (11); pelvic finrays 6; anal finrays 13. Post-orbital spine prominent in adults; upper preopercular spine short, not extending posterior to opercle, leading laterally and hooked anteriorly (adults) or straight and directed latero-posteriorly (juveniles under about 45 mm SL); lower spine long, curved anteriorly (adults) or straight (under 45 mm SL). Posterior edge of exposed part of anterior cleithral notch smooth, or with 2-3 weak serrations in smaller fishes; post-abdominal spines short, equal; ventral keel deep, extending well below PV photophores in adults, less so in juveniles. Vertebrae (36) 37-38 (39). Swimbladder well developed, gas-filled, euphysoclistous. Scales deciduous. Photophores. configuration of compound light organs changes in some groups after adult complement is acquired: initial configuration: BR (6); IP (6); PV (4) + (2) + (2) + (4); VAV (2) + (2); AC1 (1) + (3) + (2) AC2 (1) + (3). Colour: back dark, flanks silvery. Size: to 120 mm SL.
Habitat: oceanic, mesopelagic at 300 650 m; non-migrant. Food: no data. Reproduction: dioecious; adult complement of photophores acquired at about 14 mm SL.
Distribution: common in eastern North Atlantic south of 40° N, east of 30° W; northern record, South Iceland; absent in Mediterranean.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. No data.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.