# European_Red_List_2017_December

redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species is known from Madeira. It is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is known from Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species is known from the tropical eastern Atlantic, it is associated with depths of between zero and 1,800 m (Bogutskaya 2007).

population:
There is little species-specific population information available for O. myrionemus.

habitat:
The maximum known female size is 18.5 cm SL. Males have not been collected (Pietsch in press).

threats:
There are no known species-specific threats to O. myrionemus.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for O. myrionemus.


redListCategoryRationale:
This fish is known to occur in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and, from currently known specimens, is endemic to the European marine region. All three known specimens were caught between 30 and 40°W in the northern part of the warm-water region of the North Atlantic. Little is known of this fish and it is considered Data Deficient at present.

range:
Oneirodes posti is known to occur in the northeast Atlantic Ocean; in the European region it is recorded from southwest of the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). All three known specimens were caught between 30 and 40°W in the northern part of the warm-water region of the North Atlantic in pelagic nets fished open in depths of about 800 m (paratype) and 1,800 m (holotype) (Kenaley 2011).

population:
Oneirodes posti is known from only three specimens (Kenaley 2011). There is limited information available on its population status and trends.

habitat:
Oneirodes posti is a a deep-water anglerfish occurring in depths from 800-1,800 m (Pietsch 2009). There is limited information available on its life history characteristics.

threats:
There is no information available on threats.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in Madeira and in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species occurs in Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014; as Pentherichthys venustus) and in the Azores (G. Ralph pers. comm. 2015). Globally, Pentherichthys atratus is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. It has been collected at depths of less than 1,400 m (FishNet2 database searched June 2014).

population:
Pentherichthys atratus is represented by 11 lots in museum collections (FishNet2 database searched June 2014).

habitat:
Females reach a maximum known size of 11.9 cm and males reach a maximum of 1.4 cm.

threats:
There are no species-specific threats to P. atratus.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for P. atratus.

useAndTrade:
There is no use and trade information available for this species, although it is not likely to be utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, Phyllorhinchthys micractis s found in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, Phyllorhinchthys micractis s found in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). Phyllorhinchthys micractis has a world-wide distribution (Pietsch in press).  It has been collected at depths ranging from 1,000 to 1,430 m (FishNet2 database searched June 2014).

population:
There is little species-specific population information available for P. micractis. Phyllorhinichthys micractis is represented by 10 lots in a search of museum collection databases (FishNet2 database searched July 2014).

habitat:
This species is only known from females, with the largest observed females are 14.0 cm SL (Pietsch in press).

threats:
There are no known species-specific threats to P. micractis.

conservationAction:
There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for P. micractis.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)  Puck pinnata is known to occur in the north Pacific and north Atlantic. Its occurrence in the European region needs to be verified. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
Puck pinnata is known to occur in the north Pacific and north Atlantic. Its occurrence in the European region is restricted to the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
There is limited information available on its population status and trends.

habitat:
There is limited information available on the biology, habitat preferences, and life history characteristics of this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species is found only in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is found only in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species is found in the Atlantic and western Pacific (Pietsch in press), as well as off eastern Africa in the Indian Ocean. This species is known to inhabit depths from 1,950 to 1,955 m.

population:
There is little species-specific population information available. This species is represented by 14 lots in a search of museum collection databases (FishNet2 database searched June 2014).

habitat:
Spiniphryne gladisfenae is a deep-water species, known only from females, which reach a maximum size of 13.7 cm.

threats:
There are no known species-specific threats to S. gladisfenae.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for S. gladisfenae.


redListCategoryRationale:
This species is known from one specimen, which was either collected in the Azores or Madeira. There is no information on the population or threats. Therefore, this species is assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
This species is known from one specimen. It is said to be present on the Madeira Abyssal Plain (Pietsch 2005) found off the southwest coast of Madeira. However, the geographic coordinates for the occurrence indicate an area off the Azores (54 NM southwest of the Plato Seamount; Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
This species is known only from one specimen.

habitat:
This is a marine bathypelagic species known from depths of 1,200-1,305 m (Pietsch 2005).

threats:
There is no information on threats to this species.

useAndTrade:
There is no information on the use or trade of this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species is known only from Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is known only from Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species is known to occur in the Atlantic (Bermuda) and Pacific (Hawaii) oceans but may be more widespread (FishBase 2015, G. Ralph pers. comm. 2015).

population:
There is no information on the population in Europe.

habitat:
This is a marine bathypelagic species that occurs at depths between zero and 1,100 m (FishBase 2015). It is a piscivore but it does feeds occasionally on invertebrates (Bertelsen and Pietsch 1996). The maximum length recorded is 11.5 cm TL (female; FishBase 2015).

conservationAction:
There are on conservation actions in place for this species.

useAndTrade:
There is no information on use or trade of this species.


range:
The fish is found in the North Atlantic and northeast Pacific and has been collected in trawls at depths of 800 to 1,800 m (Pietsch in press). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
There is no species-specific population information available.

habitat:
Lasiognathus saccostoma is a solitary benthic anglerfish. Females passively attracting prey by means of a first dorsal-fin spine modified to serve as a luring device. Males actively seek mates by means of highly developed sense organs, apparently attaching themselves temporarily to females by means of specialized tooth-bearing denticles born on the tips of the jaws, but not becoming parasitic. Adults have been collected in midwater trawls at depths of about 800 to 1,800 m (Lasiognathus) or in bottom trawls at depths of 1,100 to 3,200 m (Thaumatichthys). Females attain a maximum standard length of 36.5 cm (more commonly to 11 cm in the Eastern Central Atlantic) while males reach 3.2 cm (Pietsch in press).

useAndTrade:
Lasiognathus saccostoma is of no economic interest.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Oedalechilus labeo is widespread in the Mediterranean and the adjacent Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is less common than other Mugilids in the Mediterranean.  This species is highly valued but does not appear to be explicitly targeted. It is taken in mixed Mediterranean fisheries. This species is subject to fishing regulations in Turkey, which prohibit landings of individuals of less than 20 cm total length (TL). It is somewhat long-lived compared to other Mullets (10 years) and appears to be locally abundant in parts of its range (e.g., Adriatic Sea), and rare in others (e.g., southern Mediterranean). However, this species appears to be resilient and is found in disturbed areas. Therefore, O. labeo is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Oedalechilus labeo is nearly a Mediterranean Sea endemic, but is also found in adjacent eastern Atlantic waters in Morocco (Ben-Tuvia 1986). It is found throughout most of the Mediterranean Sea but not in the southwestern basin or in the Black Sea (Ben-Tuvia 1986). It is usually found at the surface down to about 10 m (Bariche 2012).

population:
Oedalechilus labeo is uncommon compared to other mugilids in the Mediterranean, and is listed as occasional to rare in the southern Mediterranean (Bariche 2012). This species is locally abundant in Croatia, and is considered locally abundant in the Adriatic Sea (Matic-Skoko et al. 2012).

habitat:
Oedalechilus labeo is mainly pelagic and neritic over various bottoms. It is typically found inshore, but does not enter brackish or fresh water (Trewavas 1979). Found usually from the surface down to 10 m depth. It is gregarious and is usually found close to river and sewage but does not enter brackish waters. It feeds mainly on microscopic organisms (Bariche 2012). This species is found along rocky coasts. Compared to other mugilids, this species exhibits slower growth and a longer lifespan. This is a stenohaline species. The oldest males and females are estimated at 10 years of age This species is mature at 3 years old (Matic-Skoko et al. 2012). Oedalechilus labeo spawn in the Adriatic during warmer times of the year, with the highest spawning activity in September. A prolonged spawning season with one single and very distinct peak per year is common for family Mugilidae members in diﬀerent areas. Immatures (<4 cm) are found throughout the year, a consequence of the prolonged spawning period and possible multiple recruitment pulses. Immature grey mullets usually recruit approximately 40 days after hatching. Thus, the high abundance of immatures in August ⁄ September and March/April conﬁrmed the extended spawning activity of this species. However, this observed delay in spring appearance is a consequence of the slower growth rate during winter month (Matic-Skoko et al. 2012). Its length at first maturity is 12.9 cm with a range of 11-15 cm (Froese and Pauly 2006).

threats:
There are no known major threats for this species. Oedalechilus labeo is a commercial species, and may also occur as bycatch. This is not thought to be a major threat at this time; however, more investigation into the yearly landings of this species should be determined in order to know if targeted commercial fishing is having an adverse effect on the population.

conservationAction:
No conservation measures are in place for this species in much of its range. In Turkey the minimum size limit is 20 cm for the commercial fishery, and for sports fishing it is 20 cm and a maximum of 5 kg per person per day. Oedalechilus labeo was assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean in 2007 (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
Oedalechilus labeo is of considerable interest to commercial fisheries. It is a target species which is caught occasionally with entangling nets, seines, traps, cast nets and by shore angling (Bariche 2012). There are no species-specific landing statistics for this fish.

redListAssessors:
Carpenter, K.E., Smith-Vaniz, W.F., de Morais, L., Knudsen, S. & Harold, A.

redListContributors:
Yokes, B., Pollard, D., Bizsel, K., Goren, M. & Kara, M.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Benthosema glaciale is a very common, abundant and widespread species which is distributed within the region from Norway, southward to Morocco and from Mauritania to Guinea, especially abundant in the Mauritanian Upwelling Region. This species is not utilized commercially at this time; although it may sometimes be taken as bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries. There are no specific conservation measures in place for B. glaciale, but there are numerous marine protected areas throughout its range. Therefore, this species is assessed as Least Concern.    .

range:
Benthosema glaciale has an arcto-boreal distribution and ranges from 11° to 80°N (Becker 1983). In the western Atlantic, it is found from Baffin Bay and Greenland to the northern edge of Gulf Stream. In the eastern Atlantic, Benthosema glaciale  is found from Norway south to Morocco, and from Mauritania to Guinea (Mauritanian Upwelling Region). It is also seasonally present from Morocco to Mauritania along the edge of the continental shelf. (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the Mediterranean Sea, it has been recorded from Murcia (Vidal-Penas et al. 2001), Alboran Sea (Sabates et al. 2003, Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007), Greek seas (Papakonstantinou 1988, Mytilineou et al. 2005), north-west Africa (Badcock 1981), east Mediterranean Sea (Golani et al. 2006) and Marmara Sea (Bilecenoglu et al. 2002). It has also been reported as far north as Svalbard and Jan Mayen (Wienerroither et al. 2011). Benthosema glaciale is associated with depths of between 100 and 1,400 m (Coad and Reist 2004), often inhabiting 500 to 700 m during the day and 0 to 200 m at night (Goodyear et al. 1972). In the east Ionian Sea, this species occurs between 550 and 1,100 m depth (Mytilineou et al. 2005).

population:
Benthosema glaciale is the most common and abundant North Atlantic mesopelagic species (Becker 1983).  Benthosema glaciale is the most abundant myctophid in the Atlantic North of 35o N latitude (Garcia-Seoane et al. 2013). This species is reported to be very abundant near the shelf break off northern Mauritania (Badcock 1981). In the Mediterranean, this is a common species. In Alboran sea, the abundance of fish larvae for this species is 3,000 to 180,000/m3 (Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007). Its frequency of occurrence in east Ionian Sea is 2.6 to 9.6 (abundance = 0.1-0.4/h) in 145 trawl hauls of 1 hour each one (Mytilineou et al. 2005).  Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). MEDITS: There are 10 records of medium size 4.2 to 8 cm (TL) over 20 years survey period (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013) ARSA: 1 record (6 specimens) ranging from 2.0 to 4.0 cm (TL) (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013) Separated populations of this species in the North Atlantic are absent. The Mediterranean Sea may be inhabited by the local form Benthosema glacial var. thori (Tanning 1918) (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Benthosema glaciale is the most common and abundant North Atlantic mesopelagic species present in the sound scattering layers (Becker 1983). Benthosema glaciale is a mesopelagic, oceanadromous species that exibits diel migrations from deeper (275 to 850 m) to shallower (225 m to surface) water at night for feeding purposes in the North Atlantic (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the Mediterranean Sea, this species occurs between 550 and 1,100 m depth in the east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). The mean depth of the fish larvae is 44-97 m (Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007).Occasionally B. glaciale will form dense schools (9-10sp/m3) (Becker 1983). The maximum length for this species exceeds 10 cm and is more commonly found between 5 cm and 6 cm. According to Stas (pers. comm.) the maximum age for B. glaciale is between six and eight years. Hulley and Paxton ( in press) say that the average recorded life span for this species is 8 years.  Males tend to be more numerous than females (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).  This species primarily feeds on calanoid, copepods, copepodites, and euphausiids (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). Copepods constitute the most important part of the identifiable stomach contents. Euphausiids were found during all seasons except summer, and more commonly in big than in small fish. The fish feed all the year, but most intensively during spring and summer. They seem to feed more in the evening than during the light hours of the day. The seasonal and diurnal variation in feeding may be related to the availability of food (Gjosaeter 1973). The preflexion larvae mainly feed on copepod eggs and nauplii, while postflexion larvae consume calanoid copepodites (Sabates et al. 2003). Spawning in the North Atlantic is from November to February and late spring in the Mediterranean. Fecundity is around 2,000 eggs (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). The size at maturity is ~3 cm, or 2-3 years (Gjosaeter and Kawaguchi 1980).

threats:
This species is not commercially exploited. There are no known major threats, although it sometimes is taken as bycatch in trawl fisheries (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery may be implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited, although it is of potential interest for the fishing industry. It is also sometimes caught as bycatch by pelagic trawl (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

redListAssessors:
Munroe, T., Papakonstantinou, C., Costa, M. & Kobyliansky, S.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Benthosema suborbitale is a widespread species, which within Europe is confined to the waters of mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This mesopelagic species has a circumglobal distribution, being found between 37°N and the southern Subtropical Convergence in the Atlantic, as well as between 36oN and 36oS in the Indian Ocean and 33oN to 34oS the Pacific Ocean with northern and southern extensions in western boundary currents. Within Europe, it is known primarily from Madeira and the Canaries, with isolates from Madeira and the waters of mainland Portugal (Carneiro et al. 2014, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
This species has a widespread distribution and is common throughout its range, as indicated by mesopelagic trawl surveys (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). It is also common in museum collections.

habitat:
B. suborbitale is a mesopelagic, oceanadromous species that exibits diel migrations from deeper (375-750 m) to shallower (150 m) water at night for feeding purposes. The maximum recorded life span for this species is one year, and breeding is assumed to occur once (Hulley and Paxton in press, Gartner 1991).

threats:
There are no recorded threats to this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)Bolinichthys indicus is a common and locally abundant mesopelagic species ranging in depths from 25 to 900 m. There are no known major threats to this species as it is not commercially exploited; although, it may sometimes be incidentally taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for B. indicus, but marine protected areas are found throughout its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Bolinichthys indicus is found between 36°N and 23°S, but is absent in the extended southern Atlantic gyre (0°–21°S) and in the Benguela upwelling region. It can also be found in the Agulhas Current area off South Africa (Hulley and Duhamel 2009, Hulley and Paxton in press) and also in the southern Indian Ocean from 14oS to 44oS.  In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, Bolinichthys indicus is known from the Iberian peninsula, Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. It can also be found along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Sutton et al. 2008). It can be found at depths ranging from 25 to 900 m (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean and Black Sea, this species is common and locally abundant (T. Munroe, M.J. Costa, S. Kobyliansky and C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). This species is common in the Atlantic, as indicated by midwater trawl surveys conducted around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), near the Meteor and Atlantis seamounts (Pusch et al. 2004), and in other parts of its range in the western Atlantic (Gartner et al. 1989).  Bolinichthys indicus can be found in 1,172 museum collections with a maximum count of 370 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June).Bolinichthys indicus exists in two isolated populations in the northern and southern parts of the Atlantic Ocean (Becker 1983). 

habitat:
Bolinichthys indicus is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 425 to 900 m during the day, up to 25 to 300 m during the night for feeding purposes. Juveniles inhabit shallower waters than mature individuals (Becker 1983). The maximum length of this fish is 4.5 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1990).  The diet of B. indicus is not fully known, but like other Myctophids, it probably eats copepods and amphipods, depending upon season and depth at time of feeding (Hulley 1990). Length at maturity is 3.0 cm (Gartner et al. 1989). Spawning takes place in the spring and early summer (Hulley and Paxton, in press). Many aspects of the ecology of this species, including the fecundity and early life history traits remain unknown and require further study (Becker 1983).

threats:
There are no known threats for this species, and it is not under pressure from fisheries. May be caught as bycatch in parts of its range but is not marketed (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range.Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is implemented (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). Further research into the biology and ecology of this species is suggested. 

useAndTrade:
This species is not currently utilized in a commercial capacity. It may sometimes, however, be incidentally taken as bycatch in pelagic trawls (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). 

redListAssessors:
Kobyliansky, S., Munroe, T., Costa, M. & Papakonstantinou, C.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)Bolinichthys photothorax is a circumglobally-distributed species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This is a circumglobal species, found in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within Europe, it is known only from Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
This species has a widespread distribution and is common throughout its range, as indicated by midwater trawl surveys (Kobyliansky et al.  2010). It is also common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from  as deep as 425-750 m during the day, up to 40-500 m during the night for  feeding purposes. Spawning takes place in the late winter/spring.(Hulley and Paxton in press)

threats:
There are no known threats for this species, and it is not under pressure from fisheries.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database of Protected Areas 2010).

useAndTrade:
This species is not currently exploited.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)Bolinichthys supralateralis is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This widely distributed species is widespread in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as the Indian Ocean off Madagascar and South Africa. Within Europe, it is known from the Azores, Madeira, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little data about the population size or stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic. However, it appears to be common in other parts of its range, as indicated by museum collections. 

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 375-750 m during the day, up to 40-650 m during the night for feeding purposes. Larger specimens remain benthopelagic over continnetal and insular slopes and do not migrate (Hulley and Duhamel 2009, Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)Centrobranchus nigroocellatus is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widely distributed in the Atlantic Ocean. Within Europe, it is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
This species is fairly common in the Atlantic, as indicated by midwater trawl surveys conducted around the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Kobyliansky et al. 2010) Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), and in other parts of its range in the western Atlantic (Gartner et al. 1989).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 375-650 m during the day, up to the surface to 200 m during the night for feeding purposes but diel abundance data is not available for this species. Spawning takes place in the late winter/early spring.(Hulley and Paxton in press)


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Ceratoscopelus maderensis is widely distributed in Europe. It is a common and locally abundant mesopelagic species. There are no known major threats, but it is sometimes taken incidentally as bycatch in parts of its range. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for this species, but there are numerous marine protected areas that intersect with its range. Therefore, Ceratoscopelus maderensis is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Ceratoscopelus maderensis is an endemic species of the North Atlantic that inhabits temperate waters and the Mediterranean Sea.  In the western Atlantic, it can be found from Canada south to the state of Georgia in the United States. This species is closely associated with the continental slope of the Northwest Atlantic.. In the west and central North Atlantic, the southern boundary of its distribution runs from 32° to 35°N. A few specimens (< 5) were caught in shrimp fisheries off of southwest Greenland, representing the first time this species has been recorded in Greenland (Moller et al. 2010). In the eastern Atlantic, Ceratoscopelus maderensis is present from 50°N to 28°N, and in the Mauritanian Upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press), with records as far north as southern Iceland (Jonsson 1992). It is also found in the Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987, Quignard and Tomasini 2000), including the Catalan Sea (Sabates and Saiz 2000), the Tyrrhenian Sea (Sartor et al. 2001), the Alboran Sea (Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007), in north-west Africa (Zelck and Klein 1995) and in the Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005) and Aegean Sea (Papaconstantinou 1988). Ceratoscopelus maderensis can be found at depths ranging from 12 to 1,000 m (Fischer et al. 1987).

population:
Ceratoscopelus maderensis can be found in 1,323 museum collections with a maximum count of 370 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). In the eastern Atlantic, this species is fairly common, as indicated by midwater trawl surveys (Wienerroither et al 2009) (Pusch et al 2004).  Schools are found in depths of 600 m with 10 to 15 specimens/m3 (5.2 to 7.3 cm (SL)) (Backus et al. 1968).  Common in bottom trawl surveys (ARSA and MEDITS) (J. Gil Herrera and L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013). This is a very common species in the Mediterranean. In Alboran sea; the abundance of the larvae of this species is 6,000 to 95,000/m3 (Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007). In the east Ionian Sea, its frequency of occurrence is 1.9 to 7.7 (abundance = 0.1 to 0.2/h) in 145 trawl hauls of 1 hour each (Mytilineou et al. 2005).

habitat:
This is an oceanic, mesopelagic species. During daytime, it occurs between 100 and 1,000 m (mainly 700 to 800) and during the night between 12 and 300 m (mainly 10 to 150) and 600 and 800 m (mainly 700 to 800 m (Fischer et al. 1987). It occurs between 460 and 1,100 m in east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). The mean depth of fish larvae is 19 to 84 m (Vargas-Yanez and Sabates 2007). The maximum length is about 8 cm in the western Atlantic and 9 cm total length (TL) in the Alboran Sea (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013). Ceratoscopelus maderensis is one of the most common and abundant north Atlantic mesopelagic species, present in the sound scattering layers. This species exhibits active daily vertical migrations with a depth of occurrence of 225 m to 1,000 m during the day and 0 m to 175 m at night. On occasion, this species will form dense schools (10 to 15 sp/m3) (Backus et al 1968).  | Ceratoscopelus maderensis feeds primarily on adult and larval forms of planktonic crustaceans (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984).  This species reaches sexual maturity at about 3.8 cm standard length (SL) and spawning occurs in the spring and summer. There is limited information regarding the fecundity and early life history traits of this species.

threats:
There are no known threats for this species, and it is not under pressure from fisheries. May be incidentally caught as bycatch in parts of its range. 

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is implemented (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited. This species is not used by fisheries but it is sometimes caught as bycatch by pelagic trawl (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail).

redListAssessors:
Papaconstantinou, C., Munroe, T., Kobyliansky, S. & Costa, M.

redListContributors:
Keskin, Ç., Massuti, E., Papakonstantinou, C., Palmeri, A., de Sola, L. & Herrera, J.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)Ceratoscopelus warmingii is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from the waters of mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This widely distributed species is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within Europe, it is known from the waters of mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009, Santos et al. 1997).

population:
This species is very common throughout its range, as indicated by midwater trawl surveys around the Mid-Atlantic and Walvis Ridges (Kobyliansky et al. 2010), around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), near the Meteor and Atlantis seamounts (Pusch et al. 2004), and in other parts of its range in the western Atlantic (Gartner 1989). It is also very common in museum collections.  Data on the global population structure is available (Badcock and Araujo 1988).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 700-1000 m during the day, up to 20-200 m during the night for feeding purposes. Spawning takes place in the late spring/summer. (Hulley and Paxton in press).  The ecology of this species is comparatively well investigated (Kinzer and Schultz 1985, Applebaum 1982, Badcock and Araujo 1998, Duka 1986, Gorelova 1978, Moku and Kawaguchi 2003, Robison 1984, Takagi et al. 2006, Tsarin 1994, Yasuma et al. 2010)

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus adenomus is a widely-distributed species, which within Europe is restricted to Madeira, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is known from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Within Europe it is reported from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009) and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).

habitat:
This is a marine, bathypelagic species, with a depth range of 180-600 m (Hulley 1990).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Diaphus bertelseni is a widespread mesopelagic species that is not facing any known threats. It is assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Diaphus bertelseni is known from the central equatorial Atlantic, where it is distributed between 20°S and 40°N (in the Gulf Stream zone). This species has also been collected near southern Portugal and Madeira up to 19°N as well as in the waters off Brazil between 28° and 39°S (Becker 1983). This species has also been caught in the central equatorial Pacific from the Hawaiian Islands (Clarke 1973). It is also found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and western Atlantic (03°N–38°N); western Pacific off New Caledonia and New South Wales; and the central Pacific(0°–27°N).   This species can be found at depths ranging from 60 to 300 m (Hulley and Paxton in press). It undergoes vertical migrations within the water column and is typically found at 60 to 175 m at night and 200 to 300 m during the day (Nafpaktitis 1977, Mundy 2005).

population:
Diaphus bertelseni does not appear common, nor abundant. It can be found in 55 museum collections. A single lot contains a maximum of 64 individuals, but the remaining lots each contain less than ten individuals (Fishnet 2 Portal Accessed 2013 June). It appears to be more common in the western Atlantic (Menezes 2011).No additional trawl surveys (bottom or pelagic) in the region (T. Munroe and M. Costa pers. comm. 2013). There is little data regarding the population size or stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic. 

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 200 to 300 m during the day, and from 60 to 175 m during the night for feeding purposes. (Hulley and Paxton in press). Like most Lanternfishes, D. bertelseni consumes zooplankton, specifically copepods (Hulley and Paxton in press).Diaphus bertelseni is a poorly studied species. The depth range for this species at night is from 60 m to 175 m and 200 m to 30 0m during the day. The maximum length reported for this species is 9.1 cm standard length (SL) (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail, Hulley 1990). 

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size and structure and life history traits is needed. 

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited. This species is not exploited by fisheries but it is caught as bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). 

redListAssessors:
Costa, M., Papaconstantinou, C., Munroe, T. & Kobyliansky, S.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus dumerilii is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from the waters of mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species can be found in the Atlantic ocean from 30°N to 5°S (western sector) and to 23°S (eastern sector). It can also be found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and tropical waters of the western Atlantic to 52°N, with isolates off Ireland (52–57°N). This species is probably an Atlantic endemic, and records of this species from Indo-Pacific require verification. (Hulley and Paxton in press). Within Europe it is known from the waters of mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Santos et al. 1997, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 225-750 m during the day, up to the surface to 125 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press). This species has a maximum lifespan of two years (Gartner 1991). In the waters surrounding the Canary Islands, Diaphus dumerilii is present in highest abundance in rather shallow depths, indicating a certain degree of land association, and may be considered pseudoceanic (Wienerroither et al. 2009). 

threats:
Potential commercial fisheries for fishmeal for this species may develop (P.A. Hulley pers. comm.)


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA)Diaphus effulgens is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widely distributed in tropical and warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within Europe, it is known from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Santos et al. 1997, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little information regarding the population size or stability of this species in the Atlantic, however, trawl surveys indicate that this species is very common in the Indian Ocean (Goswamy and Shrivastava 1996, Jayaprakash 1996). It is also fairly common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 325-650 m during the day, up to 40-175 m during the night for feeding purposes. Individuals larger than 10 cm (SL) are nonmigratory. Spawning probably takes place in the spring in deep water.(Hulley and Paxton in press)


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) The Small Lantern Fish, Diaphus holti, is commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Although this broadly distributed species is taken as by-catch by commercial fishery operations, this species is not normally taken in bottom trawls perhaps as a result of its small size. Due to the depths at which this species can be found it is unlikely to be significantly impacted by any other major threats. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Diaphus holti is probably a peripheral bicentral species. In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, D. holti occurs from 9° to 50°N, with records north to the British Isles. It is not common between Morocco and Mauritania. A few specimens are known from the Indian and western Pacific oceans between 29° and 33°S (Hulley 1984, S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Diaphus holti has a depth range of 40 to 800 m.

population:
Pelagic trawl surveys (ARSA) four records with 62 specimens over 20 years (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013). Spanish (MEDITS) five records (20 specimens) medium sized 5.0 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013). Pelagic trawl surveys in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge 5 specimens in four trawls (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). Larvae are common and abundant throughout Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). Myctophidae family are reported to be very common oceanic fishes (FAO 1999).

habitat:
The Small Lantern Fish, Diaphus holti, is a bathypelagic, oceanic species that has a depth range of 40 to 800 m. This species undergoes diurnal migrations; during the day it can be found at a depth range of 225 to 675 m and at night it rises to depths ranging from 40 to 275 m to feed (Hulley 1990).  The maximum length for this species is 9 cm (TL) bottom trawl surveys in the Gulf of Cadiz (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013). This species is an opportunistic predator, feeding upon copepods, euphausiids, ostracods and fish (Kinzer 1982).  In the eastern North Atlantic, this species grows to a maximum of 55 mm and reaches sexual maturity at 38 mm. Specimens captured in the Indian Ocean have been ripe females, indicating sexual maturity in this location occurs at a slightly smaller size (Nafpaktitis 1978) Spawning takes place in spring and summer. Gravid females are typically found at depths of less than 450 m (Nafpaktitis 1978).

threats:
It is unlikely that any major widespread threat is impacting the Small Lantern Fish. However, this species has been observed within the by-catch of commercial trawls. A study on the Cretan continental shelf has shown that this species is not usually captured by bottom trawling equipment (Kallianiotis et al. 2000). Due to the depths at which this species can be found, it is unlikely to be significantly impacted by any other major threats.

conservationAction:
There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for Diaphus holti. However, its range intersects with a number of marine protected areas (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size and trends as well as early life history traits is suggested. This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
There are no known uses of Diaphus holti. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but it is caught as bycatch by pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2014).

redListAssessors:
Kobyliansky, S., Munroe, T., Costa, M. & Papaconstantinou, C.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus lucidus is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Within Europe, it is known from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size this species in the eastern Atlantic. However, it is common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 425-750 m during the day, up to 40-550 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)  Diaphus metopoclampus is a widespread and generally common species, without any major threats. It is not utilized in the commercial fishing industry. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for D. metopoclampus, but its range intersects with numerous marine protected areas. Therefore this species is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Diaphus metopoclampus is distributed in the peripheral, bicentral regions in all oceans. In the western Indian ocean, it is found between 0° and 30°S. In the western Pacific Ocean, it is present between 6°N and 39°N, off New South Wales, Australia (Paxton et al. 1989) and New Zealand (Paulin et al. 1989). In the western Atlantic Ocean, it is present from Nova Scotia south to Cuba, and from Brazil to Argentina. In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, it is found from the British Isles to Mauritania, with only isolated specimens found from Liberia to South Africa. In the Mediterranean, it has been reported from the Adriatic Sea (Fabiano and Fabiano 1977, Dulcic 2001), Strait of Sicily (Tortonese 1970, Bauchot 1987, Ragonese et al. 2001), along Algerian coasts, Sicilian and Galician districts (Maurin 1962, Costa 1991), north Tyrrhenian Sea (Sartor et al. 2003, Biagi et al. 2002), east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005), Aegean Sea (Sinis and Koukouras 1995, Papaconstantinou et al. 1997), Turkish Sea and the east Mediterranean Sea (Kaya and Bilecenoglu 2000).  Diaphus metopoclampus can be found at depths ranging from 60 to 1,100 m (Mytilineou et al 2005).

population:
Diaphus metopoclampus is found in 447 museum collections with a maximum of 36 individuals in a single lot (Fishnet 2 Portal Accessed 2013 June). Three specimens in two trawls (pelagic trawls) in the mid-Atlantic Ridge (Kobyliansky et al. 2010).  It is also common in other areas of its range (Craddock et al. 1990). There are limited data concerning the population trends and dynamics of D. metopoclampus.

habitat:
Diaphus metopoclampus is a bethy-mesopalgic species. Adults perform diel, vertical migrations  and are encountered at depths between 90 m and 850 m at night and 300 m and 800 m during the day. The maximum length is 7.5 cm (SL)  (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984). Diaphus metopoclampus feeds on copepods and other planktonic organisms (Hulley and Paxton in press).  In the Mediterranean, its depth range is from 500 to 1,100 m in the east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). It reaches sexual maturity at a length of 4.8 cm (SL) (Figueiredo et al. 2002). Spawning takes place in the spring and summer (Hulley and Paxton in press). Other aspects of the ecology, fecundity and early life history are poorly understood for this species. 

threats:
This species is not commercially exploited. Although it is sometimes taken as bycatch in trawls, it does not seem to pose any significant threat to the stability of the species' population.

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, Diaphus metopoclampus may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research is suggested into the population structure and ecology of this species.  This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch of deep-water trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.).

redListAssessors:
Papaconstantinou, C., Munroe, T., Costa, M. & Kobyliansky, S.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus mollis is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widespread in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within Europe it is known from Madeira, the Azores, and the Canaries (Carneiro et al. 2014, Santos et al. 1997, Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
This species is common throughout its range, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys conducted around the Meteor and Atlantis Seamounts (Kobyliansky et al. 2010), the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), and in the western Atlantic (Craddock et al. 1990). It is also common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 300-600 m during the day, up to 50-300 m during the night for feeding purposes. Spawning takes place in the early spring and autumn (Hulley and Paxton in press).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database of Protected Areas).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus perspicillatus is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from the Azores and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Within Europe it is known from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014) and the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
This species is fairly common within its range in the eastern Atlantic, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys (Wienerroither et al. 2009), as well as in other parts of its range (Craddock et al. 1990).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 375-750 m during the day, up to the surface to 125 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)  The White-spotted Lantern Fish (Diaphus rafinesquii)  is a widespread, bathypelagic, oceanodromous species that has a depth range of 40 to 1,080 m. It is common and relatively abundant in parts of its range. It may occasionally be taken as by-catch although due to its small size this is unlikely to pose a major threat to this species, and there are no other known threats to D. rafinesquii. It is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Diaphus rafinesquii is an endemic species of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. This species occurs in temperate waters in the western Atlantic from 30° to 42°N, in the eastern Atlantic from 15° to 40°N, and in the central part of the ocean from 30° to 50°N (Becker 1983). Diaphus rafinesquii may be found as far north as Iceland (Jonsson 1992). This species is also present in the Mediterranean Sea (FAO 1997). Diaphus rafinesquii has a depth range of 40 to 1,080 m (Hulley 1990).

population:
This species is common and relatively abundant  (T. Munroe, M. Costa, S. Kobyliansky and C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). In the eastern Atlantic, it is fairly common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither 2009). It is also common in museum collections. Gulf of Cadiz bottom trawl surveys recorded four specimens in two trawls ranging from 7.0 to 9.0 cm (TL) (ARSA) (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013). In biodiversity studies using pelagic trawls, low numbers of this species were reported (Moore et al. 2003).

habitat:
Diaphus rafinesquii a common bathy-mesopelagic species in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.  The White-spotted Lantern Fish is a bathypelagic, oceanodromous species that has a depth range of 40 to 1,080 m. This species shows diurnal, vertical migration patterns (Hulley 1990). During the day it can be found at depths between 325 and 750 m, at night adults can be found at depths between 300 and 600 m and juveniles at a depth range of 40 to 200 m.  The maximum length for this species is 9 cm (SL) (Hulley 1990). Diaphus rafinesquii reaches maturity at about 5 to 6 cm (Hulley 1990). This species is known to spawn during the autumn and winter months, with a peak in late winter (Hulley 1984).

threats:
There is no commercial fishery for this species; however, it may be occasionally taken as a by-catch species (Stars pers. comm 2013).

conservationAction:
There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for the White-spotted Lantern Fish. Its range overlaps with numerous marine protected areas in the western, northern and eastern Atlantic (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size and dynamics, as well as early life history traits is needed. This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch of deep-water trawls (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail).

redListAssessors:
Papaconstantinou, C., Kobyliansky, S., Costa, M. & Munroe, T.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus splendidus is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species has a circumglobal distribution in most tropical areas. In the eastern Atlantic, this species can be found in the area between 30°N and 23°S, but it is absent in the Mauritanian and Benguela upwelling regions, as well as the Gulf of Guinea. It can be found in the western Atlantic from 32°N–38°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean (Hulley and Paxton in press). Within Europe, it is known from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009) and is also reported from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
There is little information about the population trends for this species in the eastern Atlantic but is fairly common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 375-750 m during the day, up to 40-225 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus subtilis is widespread in the Atlantic, but within Europe is known only from the Azores and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is an Atlantic endemic. In the eastern Atlantic, it has a disjunct distribution between 27°N–16°N and 02°N–04°S, but the population west of 30°W is linked. In the western Atlantic, it is found  between 40°N–38°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Hulley and Paxton in press). Within Europe, it is known only from the Azores, in the PECS area (30 NM SSW of the Konstatinov Ridge and 110 NM south of the Marsala Seamount) and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size and stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic. Most museum specimens hail from the western Atlantic or other parts of its range and this species not well represented.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 375-750 m during the day, up to 40-550 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Diaphus termophilus is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is widely distributed in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Within Europe it is known from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009) and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size and stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic, however it appears to be fairly common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). It is also fairly common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 325-850 m during the day, up to 100 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Diogenichthys atlanticus is globally distributed in tropical and subtropical waters. It appears to be common and sometimes abundant in parts of its range, although the population status of this species needs verification in the Mediterranean Sea. There are no, known major threats, and there are numerous marine protected areas throughout its range. Diogenichthys atlanticus is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Diogenichthys atlanticus occurs in peripheral and bicentral areas of all oceans. This species also penetrates into equatorial waters and is distributed in the Atlantic from 50°N to 48°S, 35°N to 35°S in the Pacific, and 22° and 45°S in the Indian Ocean (Hulley 1984). In the Atlantic, this species is widespread from 49°N–48°S, though it is absent in the southern gyre off Brazil (Hulley and Paxton in press). There is a single record in the Mediterranean Sea (Taning 1918, Hulley 1984, Quignard and Tomasini 2000), but it is not included in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guide in that region (FAO 1987). Diogenichthys atlanticus undergoes diel vertical migrations at depths ranging from 10 m to 650 m (Paxton 1967). The depth range for D. atlanticus is from surface waters to 1,050 m.

population:
This species is abundant in the eastern Atlantic, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), and near the Mid-Atlantic and Walvis Ridges (Kobyliansky et al. 2010, Pusch et al. 2004). It is also recorded to be abundant in the western Atlantic, from trawl survey data (Gartner et al 1989), and is very common in museum collections. However, this species is rare off the coast of Brazil and is restricted to small regions off the central coast (Castro et al 2010). There is only a single record for an adult of this species in the Mediterranean Sea, but larvae reportedly stray into the western Mediterranean regularly (Hulley 1984). A single population exists in the southern and northern parts of the Atlantic. The degree of isolation of populations in the Indian and Pacific oceans is unknown (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.).

habitat:
Diogenichthys atlanticus grows to a maximum length of 25 mm. Gravid females as small as 22 mm have been collected (McGinnis 1982). Larvae remain in the top 150 m of the water column (Sassa et al. 2002). Adults undergo diel vertical migrations remaining in the upper 10 m of the water column at night, while returning to depths of 650 m during the day (Paxton 1967). This is a common mesopelagic species in all oceans, present in the sound scattering layers. This species exhibits active daily vertical migrations. At night, D. atlanticus moves to the upper 100 m layer but does not reach the surface and during the day this species descends depths between 500 m and 700 m or more. The maximum length for this species is 2.9 cm (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.). Diogenichthys atlanticus is a high-oceanic, mesopelagic species. Around the Canaries, it is found 400 to 700 m (maximum abundance at 500 to 600 m); at night, it is concentrated at 10 to 100 m and 500 to 700 m. Larvae and light-coloured juveniles (12 to 13 mm) are non-migratory (Hulley 1984). This species is oviparous, with planktonic eggs and larvae (Moser and Ahlstrom 1996), and it spawns in early spring (Hulley and Paxtion, in press). Caudal glands develop in both sexes from about 15 to 16 mm, and it becomes sexually mature from about 22 mm standard length (Hulley 1984).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population and ecology of this species is suggested. This species was assessed as Data Deficient in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially exploited. It is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch of deep-water trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.).

redListAssessors:
Kobyliansky, S., Papaconstantinou, C., Munroe, T. & Costa, M.


taxonomicNotes:
This species is also known as Electrona rissoi (Fischer et al. 1987, Quignard and Tomasini 2000).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Electrona risso is widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic from the United Kingdom to Namibia. It is a common mesopelagic species found in depths from 90 to 750 m, with major spawning seasons peaking at the end of summer and early fall. It is not utilized commercially and there are no known major threats, although it may be caught as bycatch in parts of its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Electrona risso occurs in the peripheral-bicentral areas of all oceans (Becker 1983). It is generally restricted to between 10°C and 15°C isotherms at 200 m, where primary productivity is greater than 50 g carbon m-2y-1.  It can be found in the area between 36°N and 23°S, but it is absent from 32°N to 20°N, in the southern gyre and in the Benguela upwelling region.  In the Atlantic, it is found east of 40°W between 60°N and 52°S, though it is absent from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the Sargasso Sea (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the eastern Atlantic, this species is distributed from the United Kingdom to Namibia (Becker 1983, Hulley 1990). It is also found throughout the Mediterranean Sea (Hulley 1984, Quignard and Tomasini 2000). Electrona risso can be found at depths ranging from 90 to 750 m (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
This species is fairly common. In the Atlantic, this species is fairly common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys (Fock et al 2004). In east Ionian Sea, the frequency of occurrence for this species is 1.9% (abundance = 0.1/h) in 145 trawl hauls of 1 hour each (Mytilineou et al. 2005). MEDITS (Spain): There are three records of this fish in 20 years. Length: 4.33 to 5.0 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013). In the mid-Atlantic ridge, eight specimens were found in three trawls (pelagic trawl) that were recorded (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Electrona risso is a common mesopelagic species, present in the sound scattering layers. During the day, this species occurs from 225 m to 700 m, and at night it is distributed from 90 m to 375 m and 400 m to 600 m. In the Mediterranean, this species is oceanic and mesopelagic (Fischer et al. 1987). It occurs between 700 and 750 m in daytime and between 150 and 200 m and 400 to 700 m at night (Fischer et al. 1987). It has been recorded at 614 m in the east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005).The maximum length for this species is 9 cm (TL) (Hulley and Paxton in press).In the eastern Atlantic, this species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 225 to 750 m during the day, up to 90 to 550 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press). Electrona risso is mature around 5.9 cm (TL) (Hulley 1984). Spawning peaks during the summer and autumn (Hulley 1984). Individuals that are found in the Pacific Ocean spawn year-round (Moser and Ahlstrom 1996). In the Mediterranean Sea, individuals spawn mainly during the summer and autumn (Hulley 1984).

threats:
There are no known major threats. This species is not used by fisheries but it is caught as bycatch by pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.). Research into the population dynamics and ecology of this species is needed. This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

redListAssessors:
Papaconstantinou, C., Costa, M., Munroe, T. & Kobyliansky, S.

redListContributors:
Massuti, E., Papaconstantinou, C., Keskin, Ç., Palmeri, A. & de Sola, L.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Gonichthys cocco is a widespread, mesopelagic species in the eastern Atlantic found in depths from 0 to 675 m. Although it seems to rarely frequent some areas of the region, in the northeastern Atlantic, G. cocco is relatively widespread and common. There are no known threats although it may be taken as bycatch in parts of its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Gonichthys cocco is an endemic species of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, where it occurs in tropical waters between 50° and 38°S but is absent in the Gulf of Guinea. This species also occurs in the Caribbean Sea as well as a small region off Brasil (Hulley 1984). This species is widespread in the eastern Atlantic; however, it is absent, equatorially, in the southern gyre off Brazil and in the Benguela upwelling region. It can also be found in the Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, northern Sargasso Sea, and the western Atlantic from 42°N, south to the southern Subtropical Convergence. It is absent or rare in the Caribbean and the southern Sargasso Sea (Hulley and Paxton in press). Gonichthys cocco is associated with depths of up to 675 m.

population:
Gonichthys cocco seems to be very rare in the  Alboran Sea (MEDITS survey), with only one known record: size: 4 cm (TL); depth: 250 m (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013). However, larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). In the Mid-Atlantic Rdige: 2 records from two trawls (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). No additional information from trawl surveys in the region.  In the greater Atlantic, this species is common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys (Gartner et al 1989). It is also common in museum collections.

habitat:
Gonichthys cocco is a relatively rare mesopelagic species that makes daily vertical migrations; during the day this species occurs between 500 and 675 m depth and 0 to 135 m at night. Juveniles may be non-migratory (Hulley and Paxton in press, Hopkins et al 1981, Gartner et al 1989). Gonichthys cocco grows to a size of 23.5 to 47.7 mm SL (Battaglia et al 2010). The maximum length for G. cocco is 6 cm standard length (SL) and reaches maturity around 3.8 cm SL. Spawning peaks in the spring and summer (Hulley 1984). 

threats:
This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch by pelagic trawls (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm.). Further research into the population size and trends, as well as the early life history and ecology of this species is needed.

redListAssessors:
Costa, M., Munroe, T., Kobyliansky, S. & Papaconstantinou, C.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Hygophum benoiti is widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic and in the Mediterranean. It is a common, mesopelagic species, found in depths of 10 to 1,500 m. There are no major threats, although it may be caught as bycatch in parts of its range. It may be found in marine protected areas that intersect with parts of its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Hygophum benoiti is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. In the Western Atlantic, it is found from Canada to the USA (Hulley 1990), including the northern Gulf of Mexico. In the eastern Atlantic, this species is found from south of Ireland and the United Kingdom to the Mauritanian upwelling region, including the Mediterranean (Hulley 1990). In the Mediterranean Sea, this species is present in the north-west part (Food and Agriculture Organization 1987, Olivar and Palomera 1994): along Spanish coasts (Sabates et al. 2001, D'Onghia et al. 2004), Ionian Sea (D'Onghia et al. 2004), Adriatic Sea (Stegnar 1978, Costa 1991), Sicily Strait (Berdar and Cavaliere 1979, Scotto di Carlo et al. 1982, Costa 1991, Berdar et al. 1998, Potoschi et al. 2003), in Sardinia (Costa 1991), Turkey (Deval 2002), Aegean Sea (Papaconstantinou 1988) and Marmara Sea (Bilecenoglu 2002). Its distribution may be related to the oceanographic boundaries of the north Atlantic gyral system (Hulley 1990). Hygophum benoiti is associated with depths of between 50 and 700 m (Hulley 1990). It is found below 700 m during the day and above 600 m during the night (Hulley 1990).

population:
This species is common throughout its range in the eastern Atlantic, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys that were conducted near the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009) and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Fock et al 2004), as well as the western Atlantic (Gartner et al 1989). It is also common in museum collections. Hygophum benoiti can be found in 817 museum collections with a total of 1000 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). Hygophum benoiti seems to be very abundant in the Alboran Sea (MEDITS Spanish Mediterranean) being caught in all trawl surveys in all the years research was conducted. The median size of each individual was 3.9 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013). The larvae of H. benoiti are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). There are three records (specimens) of this species from the Gulf of Cadiz over 20 years of bottom trawl surveys (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Hygophum benoiti is a deep-water, bathy-mesopelagic species that makes diel vertical migrations; during the day this species occurs from 700 m to 1,000 m, and at night, it migrates, vertically, from 40 m to 400 m and 700  to 1,000 m (Becker 1983) (maximum abundance between 50 and 100 m and 301 and 350 m at night, Hulley 1990). In the Mediterranean, the maximum recorded size is 7.2 cm TL and the length at maturity is 4.5 cm TL (Tsikliras and Stergiou 2014). Hygophum benoiti feed on plankton, especially on copepods (Hulley 1990). Spawning peaks in the spring and summer (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984). Juveniles and post-larvae are partial and non-migrants (Hulley 1990). The size at first maturity is 4.0 cm (Gartner et al. 1989).

threats:
There are no known threats towards this species. Hygophum benoiti is not targeted by commercial fisheries but may be incidently caught as bycatch of deep-water trawls (Stas pes. comm. via e-mail).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for Hygophum benoiti. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010).Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is being implemented (Stas pers. comm. via e-mail). Further research into biology and ecology of this species is suggested.  Hygophum benoiti was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

redListContributors:
Keskin, Ç., Massuti, E., Papakonstantinou, C., Palmeri, A., Herrera, J. & de Sola, L.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Hygophum hygomii is a widely distributed, meso- and bathypelagic species found in depths ranging from 0 to 1,500 m. There are no major threats towards this species, although it may be caught as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for H. hygomii, but its range intersects with numerous marie protected areas. In 2007, H. hygomii was assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean. Therefore, this species is assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Hygophum hygomii is present in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. In the west Atlantic, it is present in Canada to 20°N and from Brazil to Subtropical Convergence. It is also present in the Indian (between 24°S and 40°S) and Pacific (between 15°S and 20°S) oceans (Hulley 1986). In the eastern Atlantic, Hygophum hygomii is found from Angola to South Africa and from Portugal to Mauritania (Hulley 1986, Hulley 1990), including the Mediterranean Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea, this species can be found along the south Spanish coasts (Vidal Peñas et al. 2001), Adriatic Sea (Pallarolo and Jardas 1996), Sicily Strait (Berdar and Cavaliere 1979; Costa 1991, 1999), north-west Mediterranean Sea (Sabatés and Masò 1992, Olivar and Palomera 1994), Hellenic Seas (Papaconstantinou 1988), Turkey (Deval 2002), Levantine basin, and east Mediterranean Sea (Golani et al. 2006) (Food and Agriculture Organization 1987). Hygophum hygomii is associated with depths of up to 800 m (Hulley 1990).

population:
In the Alboran and Mediterranean MEDITS research surveys, H. hygomii was common in over 20 years of trawl surveys. The medium size of individuals taken was 4.6 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013). It is also reported to be very common in the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009). Eight specimens were recorded in five trawls over the mid-Atlantic Ridge (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013).  In the eastern Atlantic, this species is very common near the Atlantis Seamount (Pusch et al. 2004) as well as around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al 2009). It is also common in museum collection records. Hygophum hygomii is found in 1,519 museum collections with a maximum count of 999 individual specimens in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June).

habitat:
Hygophum hygomii is a deep-water, bathy-mesopelagic species that makes diel vertical migrations. This is a meso- and bathypelagic species (Hulley 1986), it is found between 600 and 1,000 m during the day and is nyctoepipelagic near surface and down to 300 m (Hulley 1990). The maximum length for this species is 6.8 cm (Hulley 1990, McGinnis 1982). Hygophum hygomii reaches its sexual maturity at 5.8 cm standard length (SL) (Figueiredo et al. 2002). Spawning peaks in the autumn and winter (Hulley 1984). The fecundity and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
There are no known major threats towards this species. Hygophum hygomii is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch of deep-water trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation of the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Hygophum hygomii was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Hygophum hygomii is not utilized by commercial fisheries.

redListContributors:
Papakonstantinou, C., Massuti, E., Palmeri, A. & Keskin, Ç.


range:
Widespread in the Atlantic, and recorded from Australia in the Pacific (Paxton et al. 1989). It can be found in the area between 20°N to the equator, and in the region of the Equatorial Countercurrent, with a southern extension to about 16°S in the eastern sector. In the western Atlantic, it can be found from 40°N–18°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the European region, the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from the Canaries region (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
Appears uncommon in the European region.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 250-275 m during the day, up to 0-125 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton, in press).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (WDPA 2013). Research needed.


range:
Present in the western and eastern Atlantic, and also in the southern Indian Ocean, and the north and south Pacific. The fish is found throughout the eastern central Atlantic, but it is apparently less common equatorially and it is also absent in the Benguela upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). Also found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Western Atlantic between 42°N-36°S,. northern Indian Ocean 7°N-4°S and Pacific 35°N-38°S including the Equatorial Divergence region, but absent in tropical waters. In the European region, the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland, the Azores, and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014) and the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species is fairly common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys near the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009) and around various sea mounts (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). It is also fairly common in the western Atlantic, where its larval presence is the highest in the spring and autumn (Castro et al. 2010). It is also fairly common in museum collection records. Relatively frequent and abundant around the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic.Relatively frequent and abundant around the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009), where caught over the deep seabed and slope in mesopelagic sets, between 215 and 1,035 m during the day and night, and in epipelagic nets between 22 and 139 m, from dusk until dawn; it shows a nocturnal vertical migration to surface water.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (WDPA 2013).


range:
This species is an Atlantic endemic, and can be found in the area south of 34°N to 22°S, but it is apparently absent in the Benguela upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Santos et al. 1997, Carneiro et al. 2014), and from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size of this species in the eastern Atlantic. It was recorded in moderate numbers from mid-water trawl surveys taken near the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), although considered 'infrequent and scanty' by Bordes Caballero et al. (2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 475-1,000 m during the day, up to the surface to 250 m during the night for feeding purposes. Some juveniles are non-migratory (Hulley and Paxton in press).


range:
This species is reported to be uncommon in the eastern Atlantic, and it can be found in the area between 38°N and 17°S, but it is apparently absent from the Gulf of Guinea (Hulley and Paxton in press). It is also found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, western Atlantic from 40°N to 16°S, Indian Ocean 18°N to 5°S, South China Sea, off New Guinea and the central Pacific 28 °N to 10°S. Specimens from the Indopacific may be a different species (Niass and Ozawa 2000; P.A. Hulley pers comm.). More research needs to be conducted to confirm identification. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There are few data regarding the population size of this species in the eastern Atlantic.

habitat:
Adults of this species are oceanic, meso- and bathypelagic and perform diel migrations from as deep as 800-2,000 m during the day, up 1 000 m and below during the night for feeding purposes. Small specimens may be found in water as shallow as 350 m (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Lampadena atlantica is a widely-distributed species, which within Europe is restricted to the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is restricted to the north Atlantic. Within Europe, it is known from the Canaries (Bordes Cabellero et al. 2009), Madeira and the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014).

habitat:
This is a marine, bathypelagic species with a depth range of 60-1000 m (Hulley 1990).


range:
Found in the Atlantic, southern Indian and southeastern Pacific oceans. In the Eastern Atlantic, this species can be found in area between 42°N–26°N and between 13°S–38°S, but it is apparently absent from the Benguela upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). It can also be found in the western Atlantic from 27°N–42°N, the Indian Ocean from 20°S–33°S, and the eastern South Pacific between 30°S and 34°S. In the European region the fish is known from off the coasts of Portugal (mainland, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
Very rare and very scanty (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 600-800 m during the day, up to 40-175 m during the night for feeding purposes (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009, Hulley and Paxton in press).


range:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species is found in the area between about 20°N-16°S, but it is apparently absent in the eastern South Atlantic, except in some Agulhas water pockets (Hulley and Paxton, in press).  Also from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and the western Atlantic 42°N-37°S, the Indian Ocean 10°N-23°S with southern extension to 33°S in Agulhas Current, and Pacific 40°N to 27°S with extension to 48°N in the Kuroshio Current and to 34°S in East Australian Current. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size of this species in the eastern Atlantic. This species is well represented in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 425-850 m during the day, up to 100 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).


range:
The fish is distributed in North Atlantic mainly between 68°N and 30°N, but with isolated records to 17°N in the Mauritanian upwelling region. In South Atlantic mainly between 22°S and 50°S (some records at about 60°S). Also from southern Indian Ocean (33°S–43°S); and off Australia, New Zealand, and Peru. Found in depths ranging from 60-950 m. During the day they are found in depths ranging from 475-950 m, and during the evening the are found in depths ranging from 60-750 m (Hulley and Paxton in press). It has also been reported from the South China Sea. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the mainland, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), from Spain (the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009) and off the coast of Galicia (Bañon et al. 2010), and from Iceland (Jonsson 1992).

population:
Little is known about the population the fish. Rare and scarce in the waters off the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
Lampadena speculigera has a maximum size of 15.3 cm. Size and age of sexual maturity is unknown (Hulley and Paxton in press). Species of this family are known to exhibit diel vertical migration (Vipin et al. 2012). Females of the Myctophidae family are oviparous, and both sexes are non-guarding pelagic spawners with low reproductive rates (Catul et al. 2011). Predators of the family Mycophidae include various species of fish, squid, notothenioids, seabirds and mammals. Mycophidae prey primarily on  these particular species of copepods; Calanus propinquus, Calanus simillimus, Calanvides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Metridia gerlachei. Mycophidae also feed on amphipods and euphausiids (Kozlov 1995).  Species of the family Myctophidae have photophores. They are thought to exhibit and detect blue/green color bioluminescence. Although species in this family do not produce longwave bioluminescence (red light), they are thought to be more sensitive in its detection due to the large amount of their red light producing predators. Compared to other mesopelagic teleosts, the Myctophidea family wavelengths of maximum absorption fall within a small range of 480-492 nm. Their could be multiple reasons for the evolutionary development of photophores from being able to see at deeper depths, attracting mates, or finding predators (Turner et al. 2009). Lanternfish from the Myctophidae family use counter-illumination to regulate the brightness of their photophores for camouflage. Photophores are arranged differently for every species, and for males and females indicating a potential role in communication and mating (Catul et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
No species-specific conservation efforts in place or needed.

useAndTrade:
In general, species of this family can be used for the production of seasoning, feed for cultured fish, surimi, cosmetic oil, fish meal and fish oil (Vipin et al. 2012).


range:
This species is found throughout the eastern Atlantic, but it is absent from the Benguela upwelling region. It is also found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and slope water regions of the western sector of the North Atlantic (46°N -08°S), Indian Ocean (09°N - 42°S), southeast Asian seas (20°N-10°S) and western Pacific (35°N -42°S, west of 150°W) (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
This species occurs in moderate numbers in trawl surveys conducted near the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009) as well as other parts of its range, such as the Gulf of Mexico (Gartner 1987). Relatively frequent and abundant around the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 275-1,000 m during the day, up to 40-275 m during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley and Paxton in press).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place or required for this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)   Lampanyctus crocodilus is a widespread meso- to bathypelagic species known in depths from 45 to 1,000 m. It is common in most parts of its range. In most of the Mediterranean, it is very common to abundant. There are no major threats towards L. crocodilus; although it may be caught in trawl fisheries. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for this species, but its range intersects with a number of marine protected areas across its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. More research is suggested into the population size and trends for L. crocodilus.

range:
Lampanyctus crocodilus is restricted to the North Atlantic Ocean, where it has a north temperate pattern (boreal subpattern) and is found between about 33° and 65° N, but with a marked decrease in abundance south of 54° N (Hulley 1984). It can be found as far north as Dohrn Bank, but is generally found off Iceland and from the British Isles to Mauritanian Upwelling Region, including the Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987, Hulley 1990, Quignard and Tomasini 2000). In the Mediterranean Sea, it is found in Catalan Sea (Sabates and Maso 1992), in Balearic Islands (Morey et al. 2003), in the Gulf of Lion, Corsica, Gulf of Genova, Algerian coasts, Strait of Sicily, Island of Galite (Maurin 1962), in Greek Ionian Sea (Politou et al. 2001, Mytilineou et al. 2005), Aegean Sea (Papaconstantinou 1988), Levantine basin, and Marmara Sea (Bilecenoglu 2002). During daytime, it occurs at 100 to 200 m and 700 to 1,000 m (mainly 700 to 800 m). At night, it occurs at 45 to 150 m and 400 to 1,000 m (mainly 45 to 100 m) (Fischer et al. 1987).

population:
MEDITS (Spanish Mediterranean): The average individual length: 11.4 cm (TL). This is a very common species in the Mediterranean (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013)Gulf of Cadiz: common in bottom trawl surveys. Maximum length: 16.0 cm (TL) (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013). This species is very common in the Mediterranean Sea. In the east Ionian Sea, the frequency of occurrence of this species is 4.4 to 100.1 (abundance = 0.1-14.4/h) in 145 trawl hauls of 1 hour each (Mytilineou et al. 2005). In Catalan Sea, the frequency of occurrence of this species is 20.3% (Sabates and Maso 1992) and the abundance is 0.03 to 0.29 kg/h (Politou et al. 2003). Lampanyctus crocodilus can be found in 841 museum collections with a maximum count of 175 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers comm. 2013). There are little data regarding the population size and stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic; however, it is common in other parts of its range.

habitat:
Juveniles are mesopelagic and adults are bathypelagic (Stefanescu and Cartes 1992). During daytime, it occurs at 100 to 200 m and 700 to 1,000 m (mainly 700 to 800 m). During night, it occurs at 45 to 150 m and 400 to 1,000 m (mainly 45 to 100 m) (Fischer et al. 1987).  In west Mediterranean Sea, its length is 8 to 14.8 cm, and the length-weight relationship has the following parameters: a = 0.003, b = 3.1562, SE(b) = 0.078, r2 = 0.967 (Morey et al. 2003). The maximum length for this species 30 cm total length (TL) (Hulley 1990), and in the Mediterranean, 22 cm (TL) maximum size in trawl surveys by MEDITS (L. Gil de Sola pers. comm. 2013).  Zooplankton, especially copepods, are the main element in the diet of Lampanyctus crocodilus (Coad and Reist 2004). It spawn in deep-water from spring to autumn (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984), and spawning apparently occurs in the summer and fall in the Atlantic and during spring and summer in the Mediterranean (Hulley 1986). The fecundity, stages of maturation and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
There are no known major threats. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is being implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Lampanyctus crocodilus was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).


range:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species has a disjunct distribution between 42°N and 12°N and about 12°S to the southern Subtropical Convergence, but it is absent from the Gulf of Guinea and the northern Benguela upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). Also from Gulf of Mexico and western North Atlantic 40°N-26°N and isolates to 50°N, southern Indian Ocean 28°S-42°S, disjunctly from the western Pacific 35°N-22°N and 16°S-38°S and from the eastern Pacific 40°N-35°S. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland coast, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
There is little data regarding the population size and stability of this species in the eastern Atlantic. It occurs in moderate numbers around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 475-1,000 m during the day, up to 40-325 m during the night for feeding purposes. Spawning takes place throughout the year, with a peak in winter (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Lampanyctus intricarius is a widespread mesopelagic species known at depths of 40 to 750 m. This is a mesopelagic species that undergoes diel, vertical migrations for feeding purposes. There are no major threats posed towards this species; although, it may be caught in trawl fisheries. There are not any specific conservation strategies in place for this species, but there are numerous marine protected areas across its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. More research is suggested into the population size and stability in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters.

range:
Lampanyctus intricarius is known from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In the southern hemisphere, it is circumglobal in the region of the Subtropical Convergence, but with northern extension to about 18°S in eastern boundary currents of the south Pacific, which occurs north to 30°S (Becker 1983, Hulley 1990). Lampanyctus intricarius isolates can be found north to 14°S in southeastern sector.In the northwest Atlantic, it is found between 65°—32°N, but it is rare west of 50°W (Hulley 1990). In the northeast Atlantic, it is found off Iceland and the British Isles southward to the Mauritanian Upwelling Region. It is also in the southern Benguela Upwelling Region (Hulley 1986).Specimens less than 40 mm can be found at depths less than 100 m, while those larger than 100 mm inhabit waters deeper than 400 m (McGinnis 1982).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size and trends of this species in the eastern Atlantic; however, it appears to be fairly common in other parts of its range, such as off southern Tasmania (Williams and Koslow 1997).  It is very well represented in museum collections.There are 246 museum collections with a maximum of 46 individual specimens in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). There were two specimens in one trawl recorded in the mid-Atlantic (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). There have been no additional trawl surveys conducted in the region (J. Gil Herrera, L. Gil de Sola, S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). 

habitat:
Lampanyctus intricarius grows to a maximum  length of 20 cm (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984). This species undergoes diel vertical migrations, staying at a depth of 600 m at night while moving up to 100 m during the day (Roe and Badcock 1984) for feeding purposes. It is an oceanic and mesopelagic species (Hulley in press).As with most lanternfish, L. intricarius feeds on zooplankton, specifically copepods (Coad and Reist 2004).Specimens less than 40 mm have been collected at depths less than 100 m, while those larger than 100 mm inhabit waters deeper than 400 m (McGinnis 1984). Length of firs maturity is > 4.0 cm (McGinnis 1982).

threats:
There are no known threats for this species. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Further research into the biology and ecology of this species is suggested.Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is being implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Lampanyctus macdonaldi is a widely distributed, but it is a relatively rare bathy-mesopalegic species. It is associated with depths ranging from 60 to 1,000 m. There are no major threats to this species; although, it is taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but there are several marine protected areas across its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Lampanyctus macdonaldi has a bitemperate distribution. In the southern Atlantic, Lampanyctus macdonaldi is collected mainly between the subtropical convergence zone and the Antarctic polar front (Hulley 1984). In the north Atlantic, it can be found between 65°N and 47°N (Hulley 1984); there are additional, scattered reports north to Jan Mayen (Pethon 2005, Wienerroither et al. 2011). There is an absence of any records of this species in the rest of the Atlantic as well as the Indian Ocean (McGinnis 1982). This species can be found at depths of 60 to 1,500 m (Bogutskaya 2007), but usually below 700 m.

population:
Lampanyctus macdonaldi is well represented in museum collections. There are a total of 348 museum collections with a maximum of 55 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). No additional trawl survey data is available from the region (assessors 2013: J. Gil Herrera, L. Gil de Sola, S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Lampanyctus macdonaldi can be found at depths ranging from 450 to 600 m during both day and night (Roe and Badcock 1984). Juveniles may inhabit shallower waters like other members of the family Myctophidae, but it is currently unknown for sure (McGinnis 1982). Lampanyctus macdonaldi can reach sizes of 16.0 cm (Hulley 1990). As is the case with most lanternfish, L. macdonaldi consumes cruataceous zooplankton, specifically copepods (Coad and Reist 2004).   Two gravid females have been captured in July, but no reference was made to their sizes (McGinnis 1982). Virtually no data exist on the fecundity, spawning periodicity, stages of maturation or early life history traits for this species.

threats:
There are no species specific threats to Lampanyctus macdonaldi. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
There are no species specific measure in place for Lampanycuts macdonaldi. Its range does overlap several marine protected areas (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobylianski pers. comm. 2013).

useAndTrade:
There are no known uses of Lampanyctus macdonaldi.


range:
The fish is distributed throughout western sector of area, but absent in the Mauritanian and Benguela upwelling regions, Gulf of Guinea and in tropical waters of eastern sector between 0° and 15°S. Also throughout western sector of North Atlantic to 42°N (isolates to 52°N), absent in Gulf of Mexico; southeast Asian seas; off New Caledonia and north of New Zealand (32°S). Depths ranging from 40 meters to 1,000 meters.  During the day the range is from 550 to 1,000 m, and during the evening the range is from 40 m to 250 m (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland coast, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
Infrequent and scarce around the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
Lampanyctus photonotus has a maximum size of 8.5 cm, and sexually matures at 5.5 cm, sex is unspecified. Spawn mostly in spring or early summer, and small juveniles are non-migrators (Hulley an Paxton in press). Species of this family are known to exhibit diel vertical migration (Vipin et al. 2012). Females of the Myctophidae family are oviparous, and both sexes are non-guarding pelagic spawners with low reproductive rates (Catul et al. 2011). Predators of the family Mycophidae include various species of fish, squid, notothenioids, seabirds and mammals. Mycophidae prey primarily on  these particular species of copepods; Calanus propinquus, Calanus simillimus, Calanvides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Metridia gerlachei.  Mycophidae also feed on amphipods and euphausiids (Kozlov 1995). Species of the family Myctophidae have photophores. They are thought to exhibit and detect blue/green color bioluminescence. Although species in this family do not produce longwave bioluminescence (red light), they are thought to be more sensitive in its detection due to the large amount of their red light producing predators. Compared to other mesopelagic teleosts, the Myctophidea family wavelengths of maximum absorption fall within a small range of 480-492 nm. Their could be multiple reasons for the evolutionary development of photophores from being able to see at deeper depths, attracting mates, or finding predators (Turner et al. 2009).  Lanternfish from the Myctophidae family use counter-illumination to regulate the brightness of their photophores for camouflage.  Photophores are arranged differently for every species, and for males and females indicating a potential role in communication and mating (Catul et al. 2011).

threats:
No known threats for Lampanyctus photonotus at this time.

conservationAction:
No species-specific conservation efforts for Lampanyctus photonotus.

useAndTrade:
In general, species of this family can be used for the production of seasoning, feed for cultured fish, surimi, cosmetic oil, fish meal and fish oil (Vipin et al. 2012), but there is no specific use information for this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Lampanyctus pusillus is a widespread mesoplagic species that is found  in depths from 0 to 1,000 m. It is common throughout most of its range, including the Mediterranean Sea. It has no major threats that are known; although it is taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but its range intersects with a number of marine protected areas. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Lampanyctus pusillus has a vast distribution in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In the western Atlantic, this species is found from off the coast of the USA to 20°N, as well as from Brazil to Argentina (Hulley 1990). In the northwest Atlantic, it is found off Canada (Scott and Scott 1988). In the Indian Ocean, it can be found from 23°—45°S. In the southern Pacific, it is found off Australia and westward to the coast of South America in the region of Subtropical Convergence (northern extension to 24°S in the Peru Current) (Hulley 1990). Lampanyctus pusillus has a disjunct distribution in the eastern Atlantic between 55°N and 24°N, including the Mediterranean, and between about 14°S to the southern Subtropical Convergence, but it is absent in the Benguela upwelling region. This species occurs in the Mediterranean Sea (Hulley 1984, Fischer et al. 1987, Quignard and Tomasini 2000), where it is widespread (excluding Adriatic, Aegean and Marmara seas). According to Papaconstantinou (1988), this species is present and native to the Hellenic Seas. In the northeast Atlantic, L. pusillus can be found at depths of 100 to 250 m at night and 450 m during the day (Roe and Babcock 1984). In the Central Pacific, they are found at depths ranging from 0 to 1000 m at night and 400 to 1000 m during the day (Craddock et al 1992).

population:
Lampanyctus pusillus is a fairly common species in the Mediterranean, but not as common as L. crocodilus. The frequency of ocurrence in ichtyoplankton in Cape Palos-Hormigas Islands marine reserve is 3.47% (Vidal-Penas et al. 2001). Lampanyctus pusillus represents 2 to 20% of the ichtyoplankton in Catalan Sea (Sabates 1990). Lampanyctus pusillus can be found in 1,901 museum collections with a maximum of 265 individuals in a single lot (Assessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). One record (MEDITS), average size: 3.1 cm (TL) of three total specimens (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013) 103 specimens in nine trawls in pelagic trawl surveys in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). In the eastern Atlantic, this species is fairly common, as indicated by trawl surveys conducted around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al 2009) and various seamounts (Pusch et al. 2004), as well as off the southwestern coast of Africa (Rubies 1984). In the western Atlantic, this species is also considered common in the northern Sargasso Sea (Gartner et al. 1989). It is also very common in museum collection records.

habitat:
Lampanyctus pusillus is an oceanic mesopelagic species. In the Northeast Atlantic, L. pusillus can be found at depths of 100 to 250 m at night and 450 m during the day (Roe and Badcock 1984). In the Central Pacific, they are found at depths ranging from 0 to 1000 m at night and 400 to 1000 m during the day (Craddock et al 1992). The maximum size for this species is 4.3 cm (Hulley 1990). This speices feeds on curstacous zooplankton (Hulley 1984). Lampanyctus pusillus matures around 3.6 cm (Hulley 1984).  The peak of spawning occurs from summer to autumn (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984). Gravid females of 32 mm have been collected in July, August, and December (McGinnis 1982). Spawning primarily occurs during winter/spring (Hulley and Paxton in press).

conservationAction:
Larvae of this species have been found in the Cape Palos-Hormigas Islands marine reserve (Vidal-Penas et al. 2001). No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

useAndTrade:
Lampanyctus pusillus is not utilized in the commercial fishing industry.

redListContributors:
Keskin, Ç., Massuti, E., Papakonstantinou, C. & Palmeri, A.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)  This species is an Atlantic endemic. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland coast, the Azores archipelago and Madeira) and from Spain (the Canaries). Although its distribution in the European region is small, it is considered likely to be greater than 1% of the global population. It is listed as Least Concern as it is not fished commercially and has no known threats.

range:
This species is an Atlantic endemic. Its distribution in the eastern Atlantic is disjunct from 36°N and 13°N and between 13°S and 33°S, though it is apparently absent from the Benguela Upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the western Atlantic, it can be found from 16°N–42°N and 10°S–38°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. In the European region, the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland coast, the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species is common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys near seamounts (Kobyliansky et al. 2010), around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009), and around the southwest coast of Africa (Rubies 1985). In the western Atlantic, it is considered abundant in the Sargasso Sea (Gartner et al. 1989).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 215-1,035 m during the day (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009), up to the surface to 175 m during the night for feeding purposes. Juveniles are non-migratory. Spawning takes place throughout the year, with a peak in the spring (Hulley and Paxton in press).


range:
This species is an Atlantic endemic. In the eastern Atlantic it can generally be found in the area between Western Sahara and northern Namibia, as well as the Canary Islands and Madeira. In the western Atlantic, it can be found from 42°N–48°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Hulley and Paxton in press), and seasonally present off the coast of Brazil. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species is common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys (Kobylianksy et al. 2010). It is also common in the southwestern Atlantic (as larvae), especially in the winter (Castro et al. 2010). Considered rare around the Canaries (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 425-750 m during the day, up to 40-125 m during the night for feeding purposes (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Lobianchia dofleini is a widespread mesoplagic species, associated with depths of between 25 and 500 m. It seems to be relatively common in many parts of its range. There are no known major threats, but  it is sometimes taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for L. dofleini, but marine protected areas are located throughout its range. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Lobianchia dofleini is widespread in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.  In the southern Indian and Pacific Oceans, L. dofleini is found between 22°S and 46°S. There are some records in the Indian Ocean at 5°N, and it is reported in the Banda Sea and off Hawai'i (Paxton et al. 1989). Lobianchia dofleini is widespread in the equatorial and subtropical Atlantic. In the western Atlantic, it is found from  25°N to 42°N and 28°S to 53°S, with a northern extension to 53°N east of 42°W in the Gulf Stream, but absent in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, southern Sargasso Sea and off Northeast Brazil (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the eastern Atlantic, L. dofleini is found from the southern British Isles and Bay of Biscay to South Africa. Lobianchia dofleini is also found in the Mediterranean, where it is widespread (Hulley 1984, Fischer et al. 1987, Quignard and Tomasini 2000, Golani et al. 2006), including the east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou 2005), Aegean Sea (Bilecenoglu et al. 2002, Papaconstantinou 1988) and Iberian coast (Lloris et al. 1984, Massuti et al. 1996).   This species is found at depths of 300 to 500 m during the day and migrates upwards to between 25 and 200 m at night (Pusch et al. 2004).

population:
In trawl surveys conducted in the Gulf of Cadiz, a total of three records (850 specimens) over 20 years were taken. The average size of each was ~8 cm (TL) (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2013).  In the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 64 specimens collected in seven trawls (pelagic trawl survey) (Kobyliansky et al. 2010). In the eastern Atlantic, this species is common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys near the Atlantic Seamount (Pusch et al. 2004) and around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al 2009). It is also common in museum collection records. This species is common  in the Mediterranean Sea (MEDITS trawl survey) (Spanish Mediterranean). It was recorded in all years (20 year survey), with an average of  4.1 cm (TL) of each individual (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013). The frequency of occurrence of this species in the east Ionian Sea was 2.2% (abundance = 0.2/h) in 145 trawl hauls of 1 hour each (Mytilineou et al. 2005). There are a total of 1,968 museum collections with a maximum count of 982 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June).

habitat:
Lobianchia dofleini is an oceanic, mesopelagic species. During daytime, it occurs between 300 and 600 m (mainly between 375 and 500) and between 25 and 400 m (mainly between 40 and 150 m) at night (Fischer et al. 1987). It was recorded at 320 m in east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). Lobianchia dofleini has a usual size of 44 mm. Occasionally, sizes of up to 50 mm are found in the Atlantic Ocean (Nafpaktitis 1978).   Lobianchia dofleini feeds preferentially on copepods, specifically on the species Pleuromamma xiphias. The fish follows its prey with diel vertical migration, spending its days at depths of 300-500 m and nights at 25-200 m (Pusch et al 2004). Lobianchia dofleini species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Once males reach an approximate size of 19 mm, they develop supracaudal glands composed of 6-8 overlapping luminous scales. Females, upon reaching 22-23 mm, develop infracaudal glands consisting of 2-3 luminous scales bordered by 1-2 pairs of smaller ones. Sexual maturity for either sex occurs between 32-36 mm in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. In the Indian Ocean, sexual maturity occurs at 29-31 mm (Nafpaktitis 1978).  The fecundity, spawning periodicity and early life history of this species is poorly understood.

threats:
There are no known major threats. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into all aspects of the biology and ecology of this species is suggested. Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Lobianchia dofleini was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Lobianchia dofleini is not targeted or utilized by the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)Lobianchia gemellarii is a widespread mesoplagic species in depths from 25 to 800 m. Although there are only spares accounts of this species in the Mediterranean Sea, it appears to be common in the Canary Islands and in other parts of its range, as well. Lobianchia gemellarii is not utilized by the fishing industy, and there are no other major threats that are known towards this species; although, it is sometimes taken incidentally, as bycatch in parts of its range. Lobianchia gemellarii is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
 Lobianchia gemellarii is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In the Indian Ocean, it is found between 2o N and 25o S east of 75o E. In the western Pacific, it is found between Japan and Australia, as well as off New Zealand (Paulin et al. 1989). In the western Atlantic, this species is found from 43°N to 43°S, off the coast of USA to Antilles (Claro 1994), including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean (Hulley and Paxton in press). In the eastern Atlantic, L. gemellarii displays a broadly tropical pattern (holo-eurytropical subpattern). Breeding populations are found between about 40oN and 39oS, but are absent between 3 and 17oN east of 30oW. There are scattered records in the Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987): in Adriatic Sea (Bombace and Froglia 1973), Catalan Sea (Lloris et al. 1984) and northern Aegean Sea (Papaconstantinou et al. 1997). Adult Lobianchia gemellarii can be found at depths ranging from 25 to 900 m (Sassa et al. 2007).

population:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species appears to be fairly common, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys conducted around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al 2009), as well as in other parts of its range, such as the Agulhas current off South Africa (Olivar et al 1999). It is also common in museum collection records.  This is a rare species in Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987). There are a total of 1,146 museum collections with a maximum count of 83 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet2 Portal 2013 Portal June). In the Gulf of Cadiz, a total of 2 records (8 specimens) over 20 years were taken, with an average size of  ~8 cm total length (TL) each individual (J. Gil Herrera pers comm. 2013) Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (C. Papaconstantinou pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Lobianchia gemellarii is high oceanic and mesopelagic (Hulley 1986) and performs diel migrations from as deep as 300 to 800 m during the day, and up to 25 to 100 m (juveniles) and 200 to 300 m (adults) during the night for feeding purposes (Hulley 1990). Lobianchia gemellarii feed almost exclusively on zooplankton, specifically crustaceous copepods (Hulley and Paxton in press). Male and female Lobianchia gemellarii are sexually dimorphic. Upon reaching a size of 26-27 mm, males develop  supracaudal glands consisting of a series of luminous scales. Females, upon reaching 30 to 32 mm, develop infracaudal glands consisting of 2 midventral luminous scales bordered by 1 to 2 pairs of smaller ones. Sexual maturity for both sexes occurs between 40 to 45 mm (Nafpaktitis 1978). Spawning peaks from autumn to winter for this species (Hulley 1984).  Lobianchia gemellarii display size stratification with depth both day and night (Hulley 1986). Larvae of L. gemellarii remain in the epipelagic zone until transformation. At transformation, they move to the lower mesopelagic zone between 500 and 900 m depth, where they remain night and day. Upon maturity, they begin diel vertical migration. At night, they raise to 150 m, returning to mesopelagic depths at day (Sassa et al 2007). This species typically grows up to 60 mm, but several captured off the Slope Waters of New England have reached sizes of 85 to 100 mm (Nafpaktitis 1978).

threats:
There are no known threats for this species. This species is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch in pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Further research into the biology and ecology of this species is suggested.  Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is being implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Lobianchia gemellarii was regionally assessed as Data Deficient in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Lobianchia gemellarii is not utilized by the commercial fishing industry. 


range:
This fish is found in the Atlantic (30°N–45°N), the north Pacific (31°N, 159°W); and all three oceans (30°S–45°S). Thought to be present elsewhere, but has yet to be recorded and considered rare. Nightly depths known to be from 60 meters to 175 meters, but has also been found at 800 m during the evening hours (Hulley and Paxton in press). Daytime depth distribution is not known. In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (off the mainland and the Azores archipelago; Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
Little is known about the population of the fish. Considered very rare in European waters.

habitat:
Loweina interrupta  have a maximum size of 3.9 cm. Due to their rarity, size at sexual maturity is unknown (Hulley and Paxton in press). Species of this family are known to exhibit diel vertical migration (Vipin et al. 2012). Females of the Myctophidae family are oviparous, and both sexes are non-guarding pelagic spawners with low reproductive rates (Catul et al. 2011).  Predators of the family Mycophidae include various species of fish, squid, notothenioids, seabirds and mammals. Mycophidae prey primarily on  these particular species of copepods; Calanus propinquus, Calanus simillimus, Calanvides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Metridia gerlachei. Mycophidae also feed on amphipods and euphausiids (Kozlov 1995). Species of the family Myctophidae have photophores. They are thought to exhibit and detect blue/green color bioluminescence. Although species in this family do not produce longwave bioluminescence (red light), they are thought to be more sensitive in its detection due to the large amount of their red light producing predators. Compared to other mesopelagic teleosts, the Myctophidea family wavelengths of maximum absorption fall within a small range of 480-492 nm. Their could be multiple reasons for the evolutionary development of photophores from being able to see at deeper depths, attracting mates, or finding predators (Turner et al. 2009). Lanternfish from the Myctophidae family use counter-illumination to regulate the brightness of their photophores for camouflage. Photophores are arranged differently for every species, and for males and females indicating a potential role in communication and mating (Catul et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
No species-specific conservation efforts in place or required.

useAndTrade:
In general, species of this family can be used for the production of seasoning, feed for cultured fish, surimi, cosmetic oil, fish meal and fish oil (Vipin et al. 2012), but not a targeted fish.


range:
Circumglobal in tropical through temperate seas, including Hawaiian Islands (Eschmeyer 2015). Located in depths from just below the surface to as deep as 1,000 m. Daily depth range from 550 meters to 1,050 m, and nightly depths from just below the surface to 200 m(Hulley and Paxton in press). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago and Madeira; Carneiro et al. 2014), and from Spain (the Canaries; Bordes Caballero et al. 2009).

population:
Little is known about the population of this fish.

habitat:
Loweina rara sexually mature once they reach 2.8 cm in size, and can have a maximum size of 4.5 cm (Hulley and Paxton in press). Species of this family are known to exhibit diel vertical migration (Vipin et al. 2012). Females of the Myctophidae family are oviparous, and both sexes are non-guarding pelagic spawners with low reproductive rates (Catul et al. 2011). Predators of the family Mycophidae include various species of fish, squid, notothenioids, seabirds and mammals. Mycophidae prey primarily on  these particular species of copepods; Calanus propinquus, Calanus simillimus, Calanvides acutus, Rhincalanus gigas and Metridia gerlachei. Mycophidae also feed on amphipods and euphausiids (Kozlov 1995).Species of the family Myctophidae have photophores. They are thought to exhibit and detect blue/green color bioluminescence. Although species in this family do not produce longwave bioluminescence (red light), they are thought to be more sensitive in its detection due to the large amount of their red light producing predators. Compared to other mesopelagic teleosts, the Myctophidea family wavelengths of maximum absorption fall within a small range of 480-492 nm. Their could be multiple reasons for the evolutionary development of photophores from being able to see at deeper depths, attracting mates, or finding predators (Turner et al. 2009). Lanternfish from the Myctophidae family use counter-illumination to regulate the brightness of their photophores for camouflage. Photophores are arranged differently for every species, and for males and females indicating a potential role in communication and mating (Catul et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
No species-specific conservation efforts in place.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe this species is known from the Portuguese Continental Shelf (Azores) and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe this species is known from the Portuguese Continental Shelf (Azores) and the Canary Islands (Brito et al. 2002). Globally, this species is an Atlantic endemic and its range in the eastern Atlantic spans between 24°N-04°S, including the Gulf of Guinea. In the western Atlantic, it can be found from 42°N to the equator, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, though it is absent in the Sargasso Sea and the Central Gyre (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size of this species. It is fairly common in museum collection records.

habitat:
This species is oceanic and mesopelagic. It performs diel migrations from as deep as 300-600 m during the day, up to the surface to 275 m during the night for feeding purposes.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is found in the Azores (Santos et al. 1997), Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014) and the Canary Islands (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009). Globally, this species is found throughout the eastern Atlantic, though it is absent north of 30°N, off the Moroccan coast, as well as the Benguela Upwelling region. In the western Atlantic, it can be found from 48°N–36°S, as well as the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. In the Indian Ocean, it can be found between 17°N–34°S, and its range in the Pacific extends from 40°N–35°S (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size of this species in the eastern Atlantic, though it appears in moderate numbers in mid-water trawl surveys taken around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009) as well as being fairly common in museum collection records.

habitat:
This species is oceanic and mesopelagic. It performs diel migrations from as deep as 475-850 m during the day, up to the surface to five metres during the night for feeding purposes.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)  Myctophum punctatum is widely distributed mesoplagic species, ranging in depths from zero to 1,000 m. In the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters, M. punctatum is very common and sometimes locally abundant. It is not targeted nor utilized by the commercial fishing industry, and there are no other known threats towards it, other than occasionally being taken as bycatch in trawls. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it is found in marine protected areas throughout its range. Therefore, Myctophum punctatum is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Myctophum punctatum is an endemic species of the northern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea.  In the west Atlantic, it is present from Greenland to the USA (Moser and Watson 2006). In the northeastern Atlantic, Myctophum punctatum occurs in boreal waters and ranges from 35° to 65°N and also occurs in the Mauritanian upwelling zone (15° to 20°N) (Becker 1983). In the Mediterranean, M. punctatum is found (FAO 1987): in the Strait of Sicily (Scotto di Carlo 1982, Costa 1991, Mallefet and Shimomura 1995, Berdar et al. 1998, Cuttitta et al. 2004), Catalan coasts (Moreno-Amich and Garcia-Berthou 1985, Sabates and Maso 1990), in the east Mediterranean Sea (Bello 1990, Deval 2002), north-west Mediterranean Sea (Torchio 1975, Lago de Lanzos 1981, Sabatés and Masò 1992, Sabatés and Saiz 2000, Cartes et al. 2002, Sabatés et al. 2003, Sabatés 2004, Mallol Martìnez 2005), Ionian Sea (Costa 1991, Mytilineou et al. 2005), Adriatic and Ligurian Gulf (Costa 1991), Catalan coast (Lloris et al. 1984), Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea (Bilecenoglu 2002). This species is a resident and native to the Hellenic Seas (Papaconstantinou 1988). Myctophum punctatum is found between zero and 1,000 m depths. At night, adult individuals are found at the surface and down to 125 m, and found between 225 and 750 m during the day (Hulley 1990).

population:
In the eastern Atlantic, this species is known from a few areas near the Canary Islands, where it appears to be fairly common (Wienerroither et al 2009). This species is very common in the Mediterranean Sea throughout all seasons (Sabates and Maso 1990). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (Papaconstantinou pers comm. 2013). It is well represented in museums as well, with a total of 1,028 collections, with 57 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). MEDITS (Spanish Mediterranean) Myctophum punctatum is common and was recorded in each trawl survey year with an average size 5.6 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013). Myctophum punctatum is also common in the Gulf of Cadiz and appears in each survey year. Mean lenght: 13 cm (TL) (J. Gil Herrera pers comm. 2013).

habitat:
Myctophum punctatum is an oceanic and mesopelagic species (Hulley 1990). It is found at the surface and down to 125 m at night and found between 225 and 750 m depths during the day (Hulley 1990). It tends to move in large schools (Hulley 1990).  The maximum length for this species is 10.7 cm (Hulley 1984). Myctophum punctatum feeds on copepods, euphausiids, zoea stages of Brachyura and fish fry (Hulley 1984).  Myctophum punctatum is sexually mature when 5 cm long. Females produce 800 to 900 eggs (Muus and Nielsen 1999). In the Mediterranean area, this species does not present a well-defined spawning season (Sabates and Maso 1990).

threats:
There are no known major threats towards this species. Myctophum punctatum is not known to be used by fisheries but may be caught as bycatch in pelagic trawls (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures are in place for Myctophum punctatum. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). Myctophum punctatum was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Myctophum punctatum is not utilized in the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)  Nannobrachium atrum is a widely distributed, bathy-mesopelagic species that is found at depths from 50 to 1,200 m. It seems to be relatively common in the region, and is not utilized by the commercial fishing industry. There are no major threats that are known; although, it is sometimes taken, incidentally, as bycatch in the trawling industry in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for N. atrum, but numerous marine protected areas intersect its range. Therefore, Nannobrachium atrum is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Nannobrachium atrum occurs in the peripheral-bicentral regions in all oceans. It is found from 0° to 45°S in the Indian Ocean, and in the Pacific Ocean this species is found in the north part of the Tasman Sea (Hulley 1984). In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, this species occurs from south of Iceland to Madeira and the Canary Islands (Hulley 1984). In the western Atlantic, this species can be found from 25°N–42°N, as well as the Gulf of Mexico. Nannobrachium atrum performs diel migrations from as deep as 550 and 850 m during the day, and from 60 to 850 m during the night (Hulley and Paxton in press). It has been taken in waters of up to 1,100 m (Zahuranec 2000).

population:
Nannobrachium atrum is a bathy-mesopelagic species. There are little data regarding the population size and stability of Nannobrachium atrumin the eastern Atlantic. It appears to be not extremely common nor uncommon in trawl surveys conducted around the Mid-Atlantic and Walvis ridges (12 specimens in five trawls) (Kobylianksy et al. 2010), as well as the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009). Nannobrachium atrum can be found in 665 museum collections with a maximum count of 51 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June).

habitat:
Nannobrachium atrum is a bathy-mesopelagic species.  In the Canaries, this species occurs at depths of between 680 to 930 m during the day and between 110 and 925 m at night. Individual size stratification of depths has been recorded during the day (Hulley 1984 in Whitehead et al. 1984). The maximum length for this species is 14 cm standard length (Hulley 1990). It is known to frequent seamounts and knolls (Stocks 2009). Nannobrachium atrum feeds on zooplankton, specifically crustaceous copepods (Hulley and Paxton in press).Nannobrachium atrum spawns during the summer (Hulley 1990) and into the autumn (Hulley and Paxton in press). The fecundity, stages of maturation and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species. 

threats:
There are no known threats for this species, and it is not under pressure from fisheries.Nannobrachium atrum is sometimes taken as incidental bycatch in the trawling industry (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size and trends, as well as all biological and ecological aspects of this species is suggested.Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

useAndTrade:
Nannobrachium atrum is not utilized by the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species occurs in the Canary Islands (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009), Portugal, the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species is an Atlantic endemic and has a disjunct distribution  in the eastern Atlantic between 36°N-15°N and between about 0°-30°S. It is also found in the western Atlantic from 12°N-42°N, as well as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

population:
There is little information regarding the population size. However, it appears fairly common in museum collection records.

habitat:
This species is oceanic and mesopelagic. It performs diel migrations from as deep as 650-1,000 m during the day, up to 40-280 m during the night for feeding purposes. Spawning takes place primarily in the summer (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species is found in the Canary Islands, Portugal, the Azores and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is found in the Canary Islands (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009), Portugal, the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species is found in the eastern Atlantic between 36°N-28°S, but it is absent from the Mauritanian and Benguela upwelling regions, and the Gulf of Guinea. It is also found in the western Atlantic from 10°S–42°N, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as the Indian and Pacific oceans (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size of this species in the eastern Atlantic. It was not common in a trawl survey around the Canary Islands conducted by Kobylianksy et al. in 2010.

habitat:
This species is oceanic and mesopelagic. It performs diel migrations from as deep as 650-100 m during the day, up to 60-225 m during the night for feeding purposes.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Notolychnus valdiviae is a widespread mesopelagic species that is found in depths from 25 to 600 m. It appears to be fairly common in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters, and it is not utilized in the commercial fishing industry. There are no major threats known to this species; although, it is sometimes taken as bycatch in trawls in parts of its range. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for N. valdiviae, but there are a number of marine protected areas that are within its range. Therefore, Notolychnus valdiviae is assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Notolychnus valdiviae has a wide distribution in tropical waters. It is found in the Atlantic Ocean from 56°N–52°S, in the Indian Ocean from 17°N–44°S, and in the Pacific Ocean from 45°N–40°S (Hulley and Paxton in press). Notolychnus valdiviae can be found at depths ranging from 25 to 700 m (Hulley 1986) but is more commonly found between 100 and 600 m (Roe and Badcock 1984).

population:
Notolychnus valdiviae appears to be fairly common in the eastern Atlantic (Becker 1983), and it is also abundant in other parts of is range, such as the northern Sargasso Sea and the Gulf of Mexico (Gartner 1987, 1989). It is abundant in museum collection records. Notolychnus valdiviae is found in 2,982 museum collections with a total of 114 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). Over the mid-Atlantic ridge, 1 specimen from one trawl was collected in pelagic trawl surveys (Kobyliansky et al. 2010).

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 400 to 700 m during the day, up to 25 to 700 m during the night for feeding purposes in the northeast Atlantic (Roe and Badcock 1984). The maximum size of this species is 6.3 cm standard length (SL) (Claro 1994).Notolychnus valdiviae feed on copepods, conchoecid ostracods and euphausiids (Hulley 1984). Both sexes of Notolychnus valdiviae reach sexual maturity at 22 mm SL in the Gulf of Mexico and 24 mm SL in the Pacific. In the Arabian Gulf, females mature at a length of 18 mm SL, while in the Pacific females mature at 20 mm SL and males at 19 mm SL (Gartner 1993, Clarke 1983). Spawning occurs year round with it being most intense during the spring and early summer (Hulley and Paxton in press). Spawning occurs at depths of 50 to 75 m (Gartner 1993). The overall sex ratio indicates males being slightly more abundant (1.15:1) with females dominating the smaller size classes and males dominating intermediate size classes (Hulley 1984). 

threats:
There are no known threats for this species, and it is not under pressure from fisheries. It may be incidentally taken as bycatch in parts of its range. 

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size and trends, as well as all ecological and biological aspects of this fish is needed.

useAndTrade:
Notolychnus valdiviae is not utilized by the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)  Notoscopelus bolini is a fairly common, widespread mesopelagic species that inhabits depths of up to 1,000 m. Notoscopelus bolini does not face any major threats; although it is incidentally taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for this species, but there are marine protected areas throughout much of its range. Therefore, N. bolini is assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Notoscopelus bolini is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic (Hulley 1984, Fischer et al. 1987). In the northeastern Atlantic, it is found  in a north temperate pattern (temperate-subtropical subpattern) from between about 50  and 38oN, east of 50oW and in Mauritanian upwelling region; it is also in both eastern and western Mediterranean basins (Hulley 1984), including the Hellenic Seas (Papaconstantinou 1988). It occurs from zero to 1,300 m depth (Hulley 1984), but is usually in 45 to 50 m depths  (Fischer et al. 1987, Hulley 1984).

population:
Notoscopelus bolini is fairly common. In the Ionian Sea, it has a relative abundance of 1.2% and a frequency index of 13.5% (Granata et al. 2011). Notoscopelus bolini  can be found in 93 museum collections with a maximum count of 52 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). Larvae are very common and very abundant in Greek Seas (Papaconstantinou pers comm. 2013).

habitat:
This is a high-oceanic, mesopelagic species. It probably occurs deeper than 1,000 m in daytime and between 10 and 200 m at night (mainly 45 to 50 m). Its maximum length is 10.2 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1990). The lifespan of Notoscopelus bolini is approximately 5 years (Catul et al. 2011). Notoscopelus bolini feeds on a variety of zooplankton, including but not limited to copepods, hyperiids, euphausiids and decapods (Podrazhanskaya 1993). When first hatched, N. bolini are approximately 0.2 cm long (Catul et al. 2011). Spawning continues nearly year-round, but peaks in late winter and early spring. Fecundity is low, with females producing approximately 100 to 2,000 unfertilized eggs per spawning episode. Females are oviparous and both sexes are non-guarding pelagic spawners (Catul et al. 2011).

threats:
There are no known major threats towards this species. It may be incidentally caught as bycatch in parts of its range.

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Notoscopelus bolini was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Notoscopelus bolini is not utilized in a commercial capacity.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in Portugal, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species is found in the Azores (Santos et al. 1997), Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014), off mainland Portugal (G. Ralph pers. comm. 2015) and the Canary Islands (Bordes Caballero et al. 2009). Elsewhere, this species is found in the eastern Atlantic between 35°N and 0°S, but it is absent in the Mauritanian upwelling region, Gulf of Guinea, and eastern South Atlantic. It can also be found in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and the western Atlantic between 41°N–39°S, as well at the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Japan, East Australia, New Caledonia and Hawaii (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size of this specie. It appears to be moderately common in museum collection records (around 400 records on Fishnet2).

habitat:
This species is oceanic and mesopelagic. It performs diel migrations from below 1,000 m during the day, up to the surface to 175 m during the night for feeding purposes. Spawning probably takes place in the autumn/winter (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
Notoscopelus elongatus is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It is widespread and common in at least parts of its range. It is not utilized and there are no known widespread threats. Therefore, N. elongatus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Notoscopelus elongatus is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It occurs in the west Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987), Adriatic Sea (Bombace and Froglia 1973), Catalonian coasts (Sabatés and Masò 1990, 1992), Balearic Islands and Algerian basin (Moranta et al. 1998), Aegean Sea (Tuncer et al. 2009), Marmara Sea (Bilecenoglu et al. 2002) and Greek seas (Papaconstantinou 1990).

population:
This species is fairly common in the western Mediterranean Sea, although scarce in the eastern region. On Catalonian coasts, Sabatésand Masò (1990) captured 6,330 juvenile individuals of this species per square meter in 18 tows of an ichthyoplankton survey during the peak spawning month (April). In a similar survey, the frequency of occurrence of the species among ichthyoplankton was one percent (Sabatés and Masò 1992).

habitat:
This is an oceanic and mesopelagic species that reaches a maximum length of 106 mm standard length (SL) (Bauchot 1987). It occurs between 375 and 1,000 m during daytime and between 45 and 150 m at night (Fischer et al. 1987). Spawning occurs from winter to spring with maximum spawning intensity occurring in April (Sabatés and Masò 1990). It is considered to be an important prey item of the pandalid shrimps Plesionika gigliolii and Plesionika edwardsii in the western Mediterranean (Fanelli and Cartes 2004). This species itself feeds mainly on krill and copepods, and more rarely polychaetes and crustaceans of the genus Parathemisto (Podrazhanskaya 1993).

threats:
This species is not commercially exploited. There are no known major threats.

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Notoscopelus elongatus was assessed as Least Concern in 2007, globally and in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011). Further research into the biology and ecology of this species is suggested.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)Notoscopelus resplendens is a widespread and common mesopelagic species that is found in depths of up 1,200 m. There are no major threats to this species; although, it is incidentally taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are no specific conservation measures in place for N. resplendens, but marine protected areas are found throughout its range. Therefore, Notoscopelus resplendens is assessed as Least Concern. 

range:
Notoscopelus resplendens is widespread in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. In the assessment region, N. resplendens is known from Ireland and the United Kingdom south to Madeira and the Canary Islands. This species is associated with depths of between zero and 2,121 m (Chen 2002). Notoscopelus resplendnes performs diel migrations, sometimes from as deep as 650 to 1,000 m during the day and from the surface to 300 m during the night (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
Notoscopelus resplendens appears to be common throughout its range, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al 2009), near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (11 specimens in six trawls) (Kobyliansky et al. 2010), and around the Atlantic Seamount (Pusch et al. 2004). It is also common in museum collection records. Notoscopelus resplendens can be found in 936 museum collections with a maximum count of 59 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). The degree of isolation between populations in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans is unknown (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

habitat:
Notoscopelus resplendens is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 650 to 1,000 m during the day, up to the surface to 300 m during the night for feeding purposes, although larvae and transforming individuals are non-migratory (Hulley 1990). The maximum recorded length of this species is 9.5 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1990). As is the case with most lanternfish, N. resplendens consumes zooplankton for food, specifically copepods (Hulley and Paxton in press).   Spawning takes place in late autumn and winter (Hulley and Paxton in press). Notoscopelus resplendens reaches sexual maturity at 4.1 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1990). 

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database of Protected Areas 2010). Research is suggested into the population size and stability as well as all aspects of the biology and ecology of this species.Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is being implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

useAndTrade:
Notoscopelus resplendens is not utilized in the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)   Protomyctophum arcticum is a widespread, locally abundant, mesopelagic species that prefers depths from of up to 1,600 m. There are no major threats to this species; although, it is incidentally taken as bycatch in parts of its range. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for P. arcticum, but there are numerous marine protected areas throughout its range. Therefore, Protomyctophum arcticum is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Protomyctophum arcticum is an endemic species of the North Atlantic that occurs in arcto-boreal waters from 40° to 70°N in the North Atlantic (Becker 1983). In the western Atlantic, it is found in the Gulf of Maine and throughout the northwestern Atlantic (Hulley 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic, Protomyctophum arcticum can be found from southern Iceland and the Faroe Islands south to Portugal (Hulley 1984).  Protomyctophum arcticum is associated with depths of between 90 and 1,600 m (Coad and Reist 2004), but is most often found between 250 and 850 m.

population:
Protomyctophum arcticum appears to be sporadically abundant.  In a study of Myctophidae in the Rockall Trough, P. arcticum was among the three most abundant and dominant of the nine species sampled (Kawaguchi and Mauchline 1982). It is represented in only 108 museum collection, but with a maximum of 56 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). No additional trawl survey information for the region (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013). 

habitat:
Protomyctophum arcticum forms schools on occasion. There are up to 2 individuals/m3 at the depths of 200 to 600 m around Greenland (Becker 1983). This fish undergoes diel vertical migrations; ranging from 90 to 325 m at night, down to 250 to 850 m during the day (Accessed through World Register of Marine Species 2013 June). Protomyctophum arcticum grows to a maximum length of 6 cm standard length (SL) (Muus and Nielsen 1999). Protomyctophum arcticum feeds mainly on copepods (Podrazhanskaya 1993). Most individuals are mature at 3 cm SL (Hulley 1984).

threats:
There are no known threats to Protomyctophum acticum. It may be incidentally caught as bycatch in parts of its range. 

conservationAction:
No species specific conservation measure are in place for Protomyctophum arcticum, but its range does overlap several marine protected areas (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).

useAndTrade:
Protomyctophum arcticum is not commercially utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Symbolophorus rufinus is a widely-distributed species, which within Europe is restricted to the Azores and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is circumglobally distributed. Within Europe, it is only known from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014) and Canaries (Bordes Cabellero et al. 2009).

habitat:
This is a marine, bathypelagic species with a depth range of 0-850 m (Hulley 1990).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)   Symbolophorus veranyi is a widespread mesopelagic species that is associated with depths of between zero and 800 m. It is a common species of Lanternfish that performs diel migration. Symbolophorus veranyi is not utilized by the commercial fishing industry; although, it is incidently taken as bycatch in parts of its range,There do not appear to be any major threats that are known towards this species. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for S. veranyi, but its range intersects with numerous marine protected areas. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Symbolophorus veranyi is an endemic species of the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. Symbolophorus veranyi occurs between 100 and 700 to 800 m in daytime and from zero to 150 m during the night (Fischer et al. 1987). In the western Atlantic Ocean, this species is found from the USA south to Brazil. In the eastern Atlantic, it is found from the United Kingdom south to Morocco, with isolates in the Mauritanian Upwelling region (Hulley and Paxton in press). This species is widespread in the Mediterranean Sea (Fischer et al. 1987, Papconstantinou 1988, Quignard and Tomasini 2000, Golani et al. 2006) including the entire Spanish Mediterranean Sea (L. Gil de Sola pers. obs. 2014). 

population:
This species appears to be fairly common in the eastern Atlantic around northwest Africa, as indicated by mid-water trawl surveys around the Canary Islands (Wienerroither et al. 2009) and near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Fock et al. 2004). This species is also fairly common in the western Mediterranean Sea  and can be locally abundant in some areas (Hulley 1990). Symbolophorus veranyi can be found in 401 museum collections with a maximum count of 32 individuals in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). In Spanish MEDITS surveys, it has been consistently common in bottom trawl surveys; size: 2  to 4 cm total length (TL), average size: 3.9 cm (TL) (L. Gil de Sola pers comm. 2013).In the Gulf of Cadiz the maximum recorded length of any single specimen was 11 cm (TL). 116 specimens in two records over 20 years (ARSA) (bottom trawl surveys) (J. Gil Herrera pers comm. 2013).

habitat:
This is an oceanic and mesopelagic species. It occurs between 100 and 70 to 800 m in daytime and from zero to 150 m during the night (mainly zero to 45 m) (Becker 1983, Fischer et al. 1987). The maximum length for this species is 12 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1984). Symbolophorus veranyi displays size stratification with depth at night, with small sub-adults staying deeper than large sub-adults and adults (Hulley 1984). Symbolophorus veranyi eats crustaceans as its favorite choice of prey (Coad and Reist 2004). The length at first maturity has been measured at 9 cm total length (TL) (Hulley 1990). The spawning periodicity, fecundity and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

conservationAction:
No specific conservation measures are in place for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Legislative regulation for the pelagic fishery is being implemented (S. Kobyliansky pers. comm. 2013).Symbolophorus veranyi was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Symbolophorus veranyi is not utilized in any known commercial capacity.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)Taaningichthys bathyphilius is a widespread meso-bathypelagic species that inhabits depths from 400 to 2,000 m. This species seems to be relatively common in many parts of its range, but there is little population specific information available. Taaningichthys bathyphilus is not utilized in a commercial capacity, and there are no other major threats that are posed against it. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for T. bathyphilus, but its deep depth preference makes it less reliant on protected areas. Therefore, Taaningichthys bathyphilus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Taaningichthys bathyphilus is circumglobal, occurring between 50°N to 45°S in all oceans (Hulley and Paxton in press). This species is found throughout the North Atlantic, though it is absent off Brazil. In the assessment region, Taaningichthys bathyphilius is found from south of Ireland and the United Kingdom, southward to southern Mauritania (Hulley 1990). Taaningichthys bathyphilus is usually found at depths below 675 m. This species does not exhibit diel vertical migrations (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the actual population size and trends of this species in the eastern Atlantic, though it is considered uncommon as it only caught mainly below 675 m (Hulley and Paxton in press) and its presence in mid-water trawl surveys is low (Wienerroither et al. 2009). Taaningichthys bathyphilus can be found in 358 museum collections with 20 individual specimens in a single lot (Accessed through Fishnet 2 Portal 2013 June). In a recent study published in 2013, T.bathyphilus was shown to have a frequency of occurrence of  0.1% along the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone (Sutton et al. 2013). There is no additional trawl survey information available for the region (S. Kobyliansky pers comm. 2013)

habitat:
This high-oceanic, mesopelagic/bathypelagic species of myctophid is non-migratory and remains at depths below 675 m. The maximum length for this species is 8 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1984). There has not been a vertical migration observed with this species (Hulley 1990). Taaningichthys bathyphilus attains sexual maturity at 5.7 cm standard length (SL); however, its fecundity, spawning periodicity and early life history traits are poorly understood. The diet of T. bathyphilus is not well understood.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution overlaps with some marine protected areas in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010).  Research is suggested into all aspects of the population size and trends, ecology, biology and potential threats of this species.

useAndTrade:
Taaningichthys bathyphilus is not utilized in a commercial capacity.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in the Canary Islands, the Azores and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species occurs in the Canary Islands (Brito et al. 2002), the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, this species has a disjunct distribution in the area between 40°N–14°N and 18°S–30°S in the eastern Atlantic, but it is absent in the Benguela upwelling region. It can also be found in the Indian (one record) and Pacific Oceans (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
There are little data regarding the population size or trends. It does not appear to be common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, mesopelagic and performs diel migrations from as deep as 600-800 m during the day, up to 50-500 m during the night for feeding purposes although there is size stratification with depth. Spawning peaks in the later winter and early spring (Hulley and Paxton, in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in the Azores and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species occurs in the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).  Globally, this species is found in the eastern Atlantic near Madeira and the Cape Verde islands (Hulley 1985). It can also be found in the Indian (04°N, 60°E) and Pacific (35°N-17°S) oceans.

population:
There are very little data regarding population sizes and trends for this species. It does not appear to be common in museum collections.

habitat:
This species is oceanic, bathypelagic at depths greater than 900 m (Hulley and Paxton in press). It is unique among myctophids in the fact that it lacks photophores.


range:
In Europe, Neoscopelus macrolepidotus occurs in the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). It is circumglobal in tropical and subtropical seas (Eschmeyer 2015), except in the Indian Ocean (G. Ralph pers. comm. 2015). In the Eastern Atlantic, it occurs from Morocco to Western Sahara and off Namibia (Hulley and Paxton in press).

population:
The family Neoscopelidae is comprised of uncommon deep-sea fishes of no commercial importance (Hulley and Paxton in press).

habitat:
eoscopelus macrolepidotus occurs in benthopelagic habitat over continental and island slopes at 300 to 800 m. There is no evidence of vertical migration (Hulley and Paxton in press). This species attains a maximum size to 25 cm (SL) and becomes sexually mature at 15 cm (SL) (Hulley and Paxton in press).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this  species.

useAndTrade:
This species is considered to hold no commercial importance (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)   Neoscopelus microchir is a widely distributed benthopelagic species that is often found over continental and island slopes at 250 to 700 m depths. It is not a very common species, but it has a wide distribution and it appears to be not uncommon in the northeast Atlantic region of its distribution. Neoscopelus microchir is not utilized in a commercial capacity, and there are no major threats towards it that are known. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but its range intersects with a number of marine protected areas. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Neoscopelus microchir can be found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. In the western Atlantic, it is found from the Straits of Florida to off the Virgin Islands. In the western Indian Ocean, from the Arabian Sea to about 28°S; there is one record off Natal, South Africa (Hulley 1986). It is also found in the western Pacific, off southern Japan to northeastern New Zealand. Neoscopelus microchir is also found in the South China Sea and East China Sea (Yang et al. 1996). In the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters, Neoscopelus microchir is known the southern Iberian peninsula to the Azores, Madeira, and Canary Islands. It has recently been recorded off the northwestern coast of Spain (Banon et al. 2010). This species can be found at depths ranging from 250 to 700 m but is most commonly found between 300 and 400 m (Thomas et al. 2003).

population:
Neoscopelus microchir appears to be rare. In a trawl study in Galacia, Spain, N. microchir had a CPUE of 0.2 (Pineiro et al. 2001).

habitat:
Neoscopelus microchir is benthopelagic over continental and island slopes and can be found at depths from 250 to 700 m (Thomas et al. 2003). The longest individual on record measures at 30.5 cm standard length (SL) (Hulley 1990). It is not well known what N. microchir consumes in its diet, but as with other species in its family, it is assumed that it feeds on zooplankton. Neoscopelus microchir becomes sexually mature at about 12 cm (SL) (Figueiredo et al. 2002). The fecundity, spawning periodicity, and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
There are no known threats to Neoscopelus microchir. 

conservationAction:
No species specific conservation measures are in place for Neoscopelus microchir. There are a number of marine protected areas that intersect with its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into all aspects of the biology and ecology of this species is suggested.

useAndTrade:
Neoscopelus microchir is not commercially utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, Scopelengys tristis is found in Madeira only. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, Scopelengys tristis is found in Madeira only (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, Scopelengys tristis is a cosmopolitan species found in the eastern, western and south Atlantic, western Indian Ocean, and in the western and eastern Pacific.

population:
The family Neoscopelidae is comprised of uncommon deepsea fishes of no commercial importance (Hulley and Paxton in press). Scopelengys tristis is well represented in museum collections in many parts of its range (www.fishnet2.net).

habitat:
Scopelengys tristis inhabits the oceanic bathypelagic zone with adults found usually below 1,000 m and juveniles at 500 to 800 m depth. There is no evidence of vertical migration; size stratification with depth. This species attains a maximum size of 20 cm (SL) and achieves sexual maturity at 15 cm (SL) (Hulley and Paxton in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Within Europe, Aldrovandia affinis is known from off mainland Portugal, Madeira, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is found circumglobally in deep waters. Within Europe, it has been recorded from off mainland Portugal, the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014) and from the Canaries (a single specimen from south of Gran Canaria: Bordes Caballero 2009). It is a deep dwelling species known from 730-2560 m depth.

population:
This species, like many deep-dwelling species, is widespread but not locally abundant.

habitat:
This species is benthopelagic and generally occurs on the middle and lower slope primarily above the 4°C isotherm. It hovers within a few meters of substrate, parallel to it or inclined at varying angles (Sulak 1986).  It feeds on polychaetes, pelecypods, amphipods and other benthic prey (Sulak 1986). It is a deep dwelling species known from 730-2560 m depth. It is not unique to particular substrate, being found over hard-bottom, rocky, and soft-bottom substrata.

threats:
There are no major threats known to this species, as its depths protects it from most anthropogenic disturbances.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: LC Aldrovandia phalacra is widespread and appears to be common in many of the deep-water habitats in its distribution. There are no species-specific threats, and this species is not utilized commercially. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but there are numerous marine protected areas throughout its range. Therefore, A. phalacra is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Aldrovandia phalacra is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans (Sulak 1986). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, A. phalacra is found near the continental slope between 15° N and 45° N, northern Portugal to Guinea, as well as from the Azores and Canary Islands (Lloris et al. 1991). It is typically distributed from 500 to 2,300 m depth (Sulak 1996).

population:
There are limited population data available for this species, as it has a depth range that is not often surveyed. Aldrovandia phalacra was relatively common in trawl surveys in the Galicia region off Spain (Bañón et al. 2010). Fourty-three total specimens were caught at by Bergstad et al. (2008) during a study analyzing the demersal fish on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge using bottom trawl data from the 2004 R.V. G.O. Sars expedition to the ridge segment north of the Azores (42°N) to south of Iceland (54°N). Fourty-one of the 43 specimens were from the hills and valleys just south and north of the Charlie-Gibbs Fracture Zone which they refer to as Middle box South. In a study by Pakhorukov (2008), behavior and distribution of fish on seamounts of the Azores region up to a depth of 1,200 m were surveyed. Three individuals with a length of 25–30 cm were found from Josephine Seamount at a depth of 1,125 m; one individual with a size of about 40 cm was recorded on the Atlantis Seamount at a depth of 950 m.  Wittenberg et al. (1980) reported that this species has the greatest abundance on the lower continental slope at 1,700 m.

habitat:
This is a benthopelagic species, found between 500 and 2,300 m, and is associated with islands, continental slopes, sea mounts and knolls over hard substrate. They are known to hover above the substrate at a distance of a few centimetres to a few metres (Mundy 2005). Aldrovandia phalacra occurs primarily above the 4° C isotherm (Sulak 1996).  The maximum length of this species is measured at 50 cm total length (TL) (Reiner 1996). Aldrovandia phalacra feeds on amphipods, mysids, copepods and polychaetes (Crabtree et al. 1985).  Females outnumber males 4:1 in the western North Atlantic (Sulak 1996). Sexually dimorphic males develop markedly enlarged olfactory organs at maturity, suggesting that they locate their mates through pheromones (McDowell 1973).  Breeding males of A. phalacra have the anterior nostril developed as a tube (Sulak 1996). Its apparent absence in some male specimens is attributable to regression of secondary sex characters during the non-spawning portion of the year. Thus, even very large males in early stages of annual gonad development lack the tubular anterior nostril and dark pigmentation (in light-colored species) of the head (Sulak 1977). Limited information is available for the fecundity, spawning season, recruitment or other early life history for this species.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species, as its depth makes it less likely to be affect by anthropogenic disturbances. Observations of its behavior indicate that it may be attracted to submersible lights and noise (Chave and Jones 1991).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its circumglobal distribution overlaps with many marine protected areas.

redListContributors:
Tighe, K., Harwell, H., Comeros-Raynal, M. & Hines, A.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Within Europe, Aldrovandia rostrata is only known from the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species is distributed in the Atlantic. Within Europe, it is known only from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). It is a deep species found from 2600-3500 m depth.

population:
There are no population data available for this species, as it is only found in deep waters and known from about 4 specimens.

habitat:
This species is found in deep waters from 2600-3500 m depth, and is presumed to be benthopelagic.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species and it is less likely to be affected by anthropogenic disturbances given its depth range.

conservationAction:
There are no conservation measures for this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Halosauropsis macrochir is regionally found from Ireland to the Azores, Mediera and the Canary Islands. It is fairly widespread and is locally common in some areas. There are no known threats to this species, and it is not sought after commercially. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Halosauropsis macrochir is primarily found in the Atlantic and Indian oceans, where it is widely distributed. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, H. macrochir is found from Ireland to the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands (Brito 2002, Porteiro et al. 2010, Porteiro et al. unpublished data). It is a deep-dwelling species found from 1,100 to 3,500 m depth (Sulak 1986).

population:
There are no population data available for this species, as it is found in very deep waters. The population trend is unknown. In New Zealand, this species is considered common (Doonan et al. 2009).

habitat:
This is a benthopelagic species found on the lower slope and rise and upper abyss, primarily between 4° and 2°C isotherms. The maximum recorded length of this species is 90 cm total length (TL). It mainly feeds on polychaetes, crustaceans, and echinoderms (Sulak 1986). The spawning frequency, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are currently no known threats towards this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its range overlaps with a number of marine protected areas. Research on distribution, biology and ecology is recommended.

useAndTrade:
This species is not commercially utilized.

redListContributors:
Tighe, K., Harwell, H., Hines, A. & Comeros-Raynal, M.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Halosaurus johnsonianus is known in the eastern Atlantic from southern Spain and Portugal to the Azores and Canary Islands.  There are limited population data available for this species. It is benthopelgic with a depth of 800 to 2,200 m, and it seems to be restricted to the continental slope margin. There are no threats known to this species. Because of the lack of perceived threats, this species is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Halosaurus johnsonianus is known in the eastern Atlantic from southern Spain and Portugal to the Azores and Canary Islands (Sulak 1986). This species is apparently limited to slope areas fringing the European-Canaries-Cape Verde basins and Mauritania between latitudes 20° N and 40° N (Sulak 1996). It is associated with depths of between 680 and 2,200 m (Sulak 1986).

population:
There are limited population data available for this species. The population trend is unknown.

habitat:
Halosaurus johnsonianus is a benthopelagic species that seems to be restricted to the continental slope margin (Sulak 1986). It has a maximum recorded length of 50 cm (TL) (Sulak 1986). It feeds on copepods and other small organisms (Sulak 1990).  The spawning period, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no threats known to this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its range overlaps with several protected areas. Research on distribution, biology and ecology is recommended.

redListContributors:
McCosker, J., Harwell, H., Comeros-Raynal, M. & Hines, A.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Halosaurus ovenii is found in the eastern Atlantic from off Portugal, as well as the Azores, Canary Islands, and Madeira It is also from Morocco to central Angola, including western Mediterranean (off Algeria), and in the western Atlantic in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a deep-dwelling species found from 440 to 1,700 m depth. There are no major threats known to this species. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Halosaurus ovenii is restricted to the Atlantic Ocean, where it is distributed in tropical and subtropical waters along both coasts. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, H. ovenii is found from Portugal and the Azores south to Madeira and the Canary Islands (Costa and Reiner 1978, Sulak 1990, Carneiro et al. 2014). In the Mediterranean, H. ovenii is considered rare (Golani et al. 2002). The first record of this species was reported by Dieuzeide (1963) from the Habibas Islands near Algeria in the western Mediterranean from records in 1960 where a single specimen was captured at 550 m. It has been documented by Cau and Deiana (1979) of this species occurring off Capo Teulada (Sardinia, Italy) in the central western Mediterranean at 620 m. One specimen was collected from the Balearic Sea in the Western Mediterranean at a depth of 2800 m (D'Onghia 2004, Tecchio et al. 2011) which is the deepest record ever recorded of this species. This is not within the typical depth range of this species. It is suggested that more work be done to confirm this species distribution at deeper depths throughout its range. A single adult female specimen of this species was captured at a depth of 200 m off the coast of Arbatax (Sardinia, Italy) in April 2007 (Pais et al. 2009). This represents the north-easternmost and shallowest record of this species in this area ever recorded. Halosaurus ovenii is a deep dwelling species found from 440 and 1,700 m depth (Sulak 1986).

population:
There are limited population data available for this species. In Galicia, 13 specimens of this species were recorded by Bañón et al. (2010) at between 769 and 1,139 m depth. Halosaurus ovenii has been referred to as an extremely rare and exotic species in the Mediterranean Sea (Golani et al. 2002). This species recorded in surveys of submarine canyon and seamount systems undertaken as part of the INDEMARES project, which surveys the Iberian Spanish coast to create marine protected areas (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2014).

habitat:
This is a benthopelagic species found from 440 and 1,700 m depth (Sulak 1986).  Its size typically ranges from 45 to 50 cm (gnathoproctal length to 18 cm) (Sulak 1996), but the maximum recorded length is 60 cm total length (TL) (Sulak 1990a). It is the shallowest occurring Halosaur in the Atlantic (Sulak 1990). Halosaurus ovenii feeds on polychaetes, sipunculids, crustaceans and fish (Crabtree et al. 1985). Marshall and Merrett (1977) found mixed crustaceans and fish in the gut contents of this species. Halosaurus ovenii may form aggregations (Sulak 1996). Adults show sexual dimorphism where males have enlarged nostrils (Sulak 1996). The spawning periodicity, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no known, major threats to this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for the protection for this species. It is likely to be found in marine protected areas that intersect with parts of its range.

useAndTrade:
Halosaurus ovenii is not commercially utilized.

redListContributors:
McCosker, J., Harwell, H., Hines, A. & Comeros-Raynal, M.


taxonomicNotes:
This species has also been reported as Nonacanthus bonapartei (Quignard and Tomasini 2000).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Notacanthus bonaparte is widely distributed in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is also reported from Iceland. This species is encountered relatively frequently in trawl surveys operating in deeper waters. The reproductive and ecological aspects for this species are poorly understood, as it is deep  dwelling and not often encountered. However,  because of its deeper habitat, it is not believed to have any major  threats that affect it. Therefore, N. bonaparte is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Notacanthus bonaparte is found in the eastern Atlantic from the Faeroes and Ireland to Cape Blanc, Mauritania, including the western Mediterranean and scattered records in Greece and the Leventine basin. It is also reported from Iceland (Johnsson 1992).  It is found from about 500 to 2,000 m depth (Mytilineou 2005).

population:
There are limited population data available for this species; however, it was not uncommon in trawl samples in several locations surrounding Italy. In the Gulf of Cadiz and in Northern Spain/Atlantic coast, it occurs frequently in trawl surveys (Herrera pers. comm. 2014). MEDITs survey data from the Spanish Mediterranean show fluctuations with no increasing or decreasing trend in abundance form 1994 to 2010.

habitat:
Notacanthus bonaparte is a bathypelagic species found at a depth range from 700 to 2,000 m over its broad range, but from 487 to 1,034 m in the eastern Ionian Sea (Mytilineou 2005). Often caught in large numbers and possibly gregarious (Sulak 1990). The largest specimen on record measures 26 cm total length (Silak 1990). Notacanthus bonaparte feeds on sessile and motile invertebrates such as bryozoans, ophiuroids, amphipods and sponges (Sulak 1990).   Sexually dimorphic, males generally smaller and with enlarged nasal rosettes. It spawns in June-July in the Mediterranean (Sulak 1990). The fecundity and early life history traits of this species of fish are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no major threats known to this species.  However, it is sometimes taken up as bycatch in deeper trawls.

conservationAction:
There are many marine protected areas throughout the range of this species (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Notacanthus bonaparte was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Notacanthus chemnitzii is a circum-temperate and sub-tropical species found at depths of 100 to 3,300 m. In the Eastern Atlantic it is found from Mauritania north to Greenland and Iceland. There are no population data available for this species as it is deep  dwelling; however, it is considered not uncommon in the northeastern Atlantic region. There are no known major threats at this time. Therefore, N. chemnitzii is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Notacanthus chemnitzii is a circum-temperate and sub-tropical species (Nakamura et al. 1986). In the north Atlantic Ocean, it is found from the Gulf of Mexico and Cape Blanc, Mauritania north to Davis Strait, Canada and Iceland. In the south Atlantic it is only known from South Africa. It is also known from the Pacific Ocean, including off Chile, Japan, Australia (Hoese et al. 2006) and New Zealand (Paulin et al. 1989). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, this species is known primarily from Iceland, Madeira and mainland Portugal (Porteiro et al. unpublished data, Carneiro et al. 2014). It has a wide depth distribution of 124 to 3,300 m in the western Atlantic (Coad and Reist 2004) but is only found in depths of up to 2,500 m in the northeastern Atlantic. In European and adjacent waters, it was collected at depths of 1,000 to 2,607 m (Porteiro et al. unpublished).

population:
There are no population data available for this species. However, it appears to be relatively uncommon in parts of its range. However, around Iceland and Greenland, it has been described as "not uncommon" in depths of around 180 m, although it is thought that their density may increase with depth (Sulak 1990).

habitat:
Notacanthus chemnitzii is benthopelagic (Mundy 2005) and epibenthic (Coad and Reist 2004). It is mostly found at depths well below 200 m, but enters slightly shallower water on Grand Banks in Canada (Robins and Ray 1986). The maximum recorded length of this species is 120 cm total length (TL) (Sulak 1990). They feed primarily on sea anemones (Sulak 1990). Individuals with nearly ripe eggs have been found in late autumn off Iceland. The length at maturity, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species. However, it is occasionally  taken up as bycatch in deeper trawls. Notacanthids are unlikely to be retained by commercial deep-water trawls due to their eel-like body shape but the component of the population which encounter trawling may suffer net damage and unquantified mortality (Coggan et al. 1998, Gordon et al. 1996).

conservationAction:
This species' range overlaps several marine protected areas (World Database on Protected Areas 2010), but there are no specific conservation measures in place for N. chemnitzii.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Polyacanthonotus challengeri is widely distributed in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters. It has a depth range of 900 to 4,600 m. There are very limited population data available for this species, but it appears to be relatively common (or at least not uncommon). There is very  little information on habitat, population or  ecology.  However,  because of its deeper habitat , it is not  believed to have any major  threats that affect it at this time. It is listed as  Least Concern with the caveat  of a need for more research  concerning many aspects of this species.

range:
Polyacanthonotus challengeri is found in the western Atlantic from Baffin Bay along eastern North America. In the eastern Atlantic, it is found from northern United Kingdom south to South Africa, including the Azores, Madeira, Canary Islands (Sulak 1986), and the western Mediterranean Sea. It is described as being found off Iceland and the Irminger Sea  (Jonsson and Palsoon 2006) and Scotland, as well as along the northern MAR and Flemish Cap (Porteiro et al. unpublished). Outside the region, this species is mainly antitropical (Sulak 1986). It has been reported from the North Pacific, from Japan, to the Bering Sea and British Columbia, Canada (Hart 1973), also south to Oregon, USA (Moser and Charter 1996). In the South Pacific, it is known from one specimen collected near New Zealand and in the Southern Ocean it is known from one specimen collected near the Kerguelen Islands. It has a depth range of 900 to 4,600 m.

population:
There are very limited population data available for this species. It appears to be relatively common-to-uncommon in the northeastern Atlantic. In a study by Bergstad et al. (2008), analyses were conducted of the demersal fish on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge using bottom trawl data from the 2004 R.V. G.O. Sars expedition to the ridge segment north of the Azores (42oN) to the south of Iceland (54oN). In the four areas sampled (Faraday seamount, Middle box, North Middle box, and South Southern box), a total of 24 individuals of this species were caught. Of the 17 mapped locations that were trawled in this study, only 24 specimens of this species were collected.  In a trawl survey of demersal fish assemblages along the Porcupine Seabight, P. challengeri ranked 94th out of 108 identified fishes in species abundance (Priede et al. 2010).

habitat:
This is a benthopelagic species, found between the depths of 1,300 and 3,700 m, but most commonly between 2,000 and 3,000 m. The maximum recorded length of this species is 60 cm total length (TL) (Gon 1990). This species feeds on benthic invertebrates, especially amphipods, polychaetes and mysids (Sulak1986). Submersible observations indicate that species of Polyacanthonotus hover over or move along the substrate, often in an inclined angle appropriate for browsing on small epibenthic prey (Crabtree et al. 1985). Size at first maturity is approximated between 15 and 18 cm LG for P. challengeri (Coggan et al. 1998). Reference to literature shows fecundity to increase with this species’ size, with mean fecunditiy of 30,000 in P. challengeri (Crabtree et al. 1985, Coggan et al. 1998). Their size varies regionally between 50 cm gnathoproctal length to about 18 cm (Sulak 1996). In a study by Coggan et al. (1998), small individuals with gnathoproctal length (LG) around 4 cm, were sampled successfully in all species except P. challengeri, suggesting that this species may have an unusual early life history and/or inhabit depths outside the range sampled which included 250 m depth increments from 500 to 3,000 m depth at Rockall Trough (RT) and about 250 m to abyssal depths (4,500 m+) at Porcupine Seabight (PSB) (Coggan et al. 1998). Available data indicate that females predominate in populations of P. challengeri to a greater extent than in populations of other Notacanthiform fishes (Crabtree et. al1985). The modifications of the olfactory regions in mature male Polyacanthonotus challengeri individuals suggest that olfaction is important in spawning. Efficient location of mates by male notacanths may in part explain the highly skewed sex ratios.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species. It is less likely that this species is affected by anthropogenic disturbances given its deeper depth distribution.

conservationAction:
There are no conservation measures in place for this species. Research into all aspects of this species' population dynamics, ecology and biology, as well as potential risks is needed for this species.


taxonomicNotes:
Because of differences in ecological preferences and some morphological features this species may be two different species, one in the Mediterranean and one in the Atlantic. Should two distinct species be recognized, the name P. rostratus would be available for the Atlantic species (Sulak et al. 1984).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Polyacanthonotus rissoanus is a widely distributed, benthopelagic species in the North Atlantic Ocean. There are very limited population data available for this species, but it appears to be reasonably common in the region.  There is limited information on its habitat, ecology and early life history. However,  because of its deeper habitat , it is not   believed to have any major  threats that affect it.  Therefore, P. rissoanus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Polyacanthonotus rissoanus is found in the North Atlantic Ocean. In the northwestern Atlantic, it is known from Canada and the USA. In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known from Ireland southward to South Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Azores. It has also been reported from Iceland (Jonsson 1992). It is typically found at 500 to 2,800 m depths.

population:
There are very limited population data available for this species. It occurs relatively frequently/occasionally in surveys undertaken in deeper waters in Northern Spain (Juan pers. comm. 2014 - follow up). It was not present in the MEDITS survey of Spanish Mediterranean waters (Juan pers. comm. 2014).

habitat:
This is a benthopelagic species known from depths of 500 to 2,800 m (Sulak 1996). The maximum size is about 36 cm total length (Sulak 1996). The predominant prey items of this species are amphipods and mysids predominantly, along with polychaetes (Coggan et al. 1998). Polyacanthonotus rissoanus female individuals reach sexual maturity between 8.4 and 11.9 cm, with fecundy of 23,000 to 30,000 ova. It appears to spawn over the summer months (Crabtree et al. 1985). Like many other notacanthid species, the females drastically outnumber the males.

threats:
There are no major threats to this species, as it is deep-dwelling and removed from most trawling activity as well as habitat destruction.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Polyacanthonotus rissoanus was assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean in 2007. Polyacanthonotus rissoanus was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: LC Aphyonus gelatinosus is a widely distributed but rather rare deep-sea species. Little data are available about its population status or ecology. However, there are no known major threats for this species. Therefore, A. gelatinosus is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Aphyonus gelatinosus appears widely distributed in all oceans, except for the East Pacific, and is known from about 100 specimens (J. Nielsen pers. comm. 2014). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is known from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014) and Canary Islands. It is distributed from 900 to 2,500 m depth (Nielsen 1999).

population:
There are little population data available for this species.

habitat:
Aphyonus gelatinosus is a deep-sea benthopelagic species typically found at 900 to 2,500 m (Nielsen 1999). Little is known about its ecology. However, it is known to be viviparous and the maximum size is about 25 cm (J. Nielsen pers. comm. 2014).

useAndTrade:
This species is not utilized and is of no interest to fisheries (Nielsen 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Meteoria erythrops appears restricted to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, but is known from only three specimens. Little is known about its population status, habitats, or ecology. Therefore, M. erythrops is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Meteoria erythrops is found in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. It is known from the Azores (40°32' N, 35°24' W, Nielsen 1969, Carneiro et al. 2014) and off the northwest coast of Spain (42°06.3' N, 14°42' W, and 42°54' N, 13°25.1' W, Nielsen 1972). It has been found from 4540 to 5320 m depth (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
This is a rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is known from only three specimens, so little is known about its population status.

habitat:
Meteoria erthyrops is a benthopelagic species found at depths of 4540 to 5320 m (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is known from only three specimens, so little is known about its ecology. The maximum recorded size is 7.0 mm standard length (J. Nielsen pers. comm. 2014).

useAndTrade:
This species is not utilized, and is of no interest to fisheries (Nielsen 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Nybelinella erikssoni is a rare benthopelagic species in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is known from only about 20 specimens, so little is known about its population status, habitats, or ecology. Widespread threats are unknown. Therefore, N. erikssoni is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Nybelinella erikssoni is known from the Indian Ocean (north of Madagascar) and on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean (Nielsen et al. 1999). In the western Atlantic, N. erikssoni is known from the Caribbean Sea and Bahamas. In the eastern Atlantic, it is known from 31o to 42o N, with a single locality at 1o3' N, 18o40' W (Nielsen 1969, 1972, Nielsen et al. 1999, J. Nielsen pers. comm. 2014). The depth distribution is 4640 to 5440 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Nybelinella erikssoni is a rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999). Little data are available about its population status as it has rarely been collected.

habitat:
Nybelinella erikssoni is a benthopelagic species known from 4640 to 5440 m depth (Nielsen et al. 1999). It gets to about 10 cm (Nielsen et al. 1999) and t is viviparous (Nielsen 1972).

threats:
Widespread threats to this species are unknown.


redListCategoryRationale:
Sciadonus cryptophthalmus is known from a single specimen that was pulled from a depth of 5,000 metres off the coast of northwestern Spain. There is very limited information available on the population size, trends, habitat, ecology and threats to the species. Research should be conducted in order to determine the status of this species. It is, therefore, assessed as Data Deficient. 

range:
Sciadonus cryptophthalmus is known from only one specimen, which was taken from the waters off the coast of north western Spain where it was caught in deep, oceanic waters at a depth of 5,000 m (Nielsen 1969, Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Sciadonus cryptophthalmus is known from a single specimen (Nielsen 1969, Nielsen et al. 1999). It is unknown if this is a very rare species or, because of extreme depth, this species is not encountered often.

habitat:
Sciadonus cryptophthalmus is a poorly understood species. It is known from a single specimen that was taken off the coast of northwestern Spain. There is little species-specific information about the habitat and ecology of this fish. However, the family Aphyonidae mostly live on or near the bottom, at depths between 230 to 5,600 m. Males deliver spermatophytes to females which stay viable in the female's reproductive tract. Mature males can mate with non-ripe females and the sperm may fertilize the now mature female's eggs months after the spermatophytes were delivered. The larvae probably stay near the deep bottoms after hatching (Nielsen et al. 1999).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. The population status, life history and potential threats require further research for this species.

useAndTrade:
This species is not a commercially sought after fish.


redListCategoryRationale:
Sciadonus galatheae is known from eight specimens, worldwide; two are from the northeastern Atlantic and the other six from the Pacific Ocean. This is an extremely deep-water species that is not often encountered or observed. There is no or very little information available on the population size, trends, habitat, ecology and threats to the species. Research should be conducted in order to determine the status of this species. Therefore, S. galatheae is assessed as Data Deficient. 

range:
Sciadonus galatheae is found in the waters of the northeastern Atlantic, eastern Pacific and Indian oceans. In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known from three localities: northwestern Bay of Biscay, southwest of Ireland and just north of the Azores.   It is associated with depths between 1,785 to 5,440 m (Nielsen et al. 1999, Nielsen unpublished data).

population:
Nielsen et al. (1999) consider Sciadonus galatheae a rare species, and it is known from a total of eight specimens. In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known from two specimens found at 47°38'N, 8°56'W, and 49°30'N, 13°20'W (Merritt 1992).  It is also known in the Kermadec trench in the southwestern Pacific, as well as in at least one location in the eastern Pacific. (Nielsen unpublished data). Virtually no other data exist on the population size and trends of this species.

habitat:
Sciadonus galatheae are viviparous, with relatively few, large eggs and consequently large larvae. Males deliver spermatophytes to females which stay viable in the female's reproductive tract. Mature males can mate with non-ripe female, and the sperm may fertilize the now mature female's eggs months after the spermatophytes were delivered. Aphyonid larvae probably remain near the bottom (Nielsen 1969). The maximum documented size of this species is 9.3 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen 1986). The habitat, ecology, diet, and reproductive processes are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
There are no known threats towards this species, as it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting, mineral extraction and by climate change [ie. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions, nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column] all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for S. galatheae. There are marine protected areas (MPAs) in the eastern Atlantic and Pacific oceans, but it remains unknown how effective MPAs are for deep-sea fauna (Howell 2010). Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species.

useAndTrade:
This species is not of any interest to commercial fisheries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Sciadonus pedicellaris is distributed in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific. In the European region it is possibly only known from the Azores. This   species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in   Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of   the global population.  

range:
Sciadonus pedicellaris is distributed in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific oceans. In the European region it is possibly only known from the Azores.

population:
Sciadonus pedicellaris is a relatively rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999). There is limited information available on its population status and trends. 

habitat:
Sciadonus pedicellaris is a bathydemersal species known to occur between 1,847 - 4,880 m. There is limited information available on its life history characteristics.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bellottia apoda inhabits the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and subtropical eastern Atlantic at depths ranging from 30 to 1,000 m. It feeds on benthic crustaceans and planktonic copepods. It seems to be extending its range northwards and the population in the Mediterranean seems to be increasing. There are no known threats towards this species and it is not being targeted commercially. Therefore, Bellottia apoda is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Bellottia apoda is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is known from Portugal to Morocco. In the Mediterranean Sea, it has been reported from around Greece, the Adriatic Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea (Nielsen 1986, Gramitto and Coen 1997). One specimen has been reported from south of the Azores (Great Meteor Bank) and recently off south western Ireland (52°06′3″ N, 14°46′3″ W), at a depth of 467 m (Fernandez-Zapico et al. 2013). The present specimen represents the first record of B. apoda from Irish waters and is a significant northward extension (≈1,700 km) of its previously known distribution limit in the north eastern Atlantic (Fernandez-Zapico et al. 2013), which was previously southern Portugal (Nielsen et al. 2009). Bellottia apoda has also been recentlyr eported from waters just off Turkey, which is the furthest east this species has been observed (Kaya and Bilecenoglu 2000, Erguden et al. 2010). Outside of northeastern Atlantic waters, it is found in the Galápagos Archipelago and the Phillipines (Nielsen 1986). Depth range for this species seems to vary by geographical location. It is found from 30 to 500 m in most of the Mediterranean Sea and Northeast Atlantic (Nielsen 1990, Mytilineou et al. 2005), and from 460 to 569 m in the eastern Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). However, it has been taken at depths below 1000 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Bellottia apoda is widely distributed and common in the western Mediterranean and central Adriatic Sea (Erguden et al. 2010, Nielsen et al. 2009).  In the north eastern Atlantic, only five specimens have been recorded until 2009, one from the Meteor Bank (29°50.2′ N—28°29.8′ W) and four from southern Portugal (37°41.5′ N—9°11.9′ W; 37°21.5′ N—9°12.5′ W) (Nielsen et al. 2009).  In the Mediterranean, this fish was once considered uncommon (Nielsen et al. 1999). However, it has more recently been described as common in the Mediterranean, as 128 specimens were caught in the Central Adriatic Sea between 1970 and 1994 (Cohen et al. 2009).  In order to  determine whether the specimens from the East Atlantic Ocean differ from the Mediterranean ones, comparisons were made between the two sets of morphological characters between these areas. Overlap was observed in all but one character, viz. number of pectoral fin rays: 21–23 in the Atlantic and 23–26 in the Mediterranean specimens, suggesting that there is no difference between the two populations (Nielsen et al. 2009).

habitat:
Habitat and Ecology Bellottia apoda is a benthic species with a maximum length of 7 cm standard length (SL) that is usually caught in bottom trawls over soft bottoms. Nielsen and Cohen (1968) and Nielsen et al. (1999) describes B. apoda as a cryptic species that hides in crevices within rocky and coral reef, which may be the reason that this species is not often caught, but Gramitto and Coen (1997) specifically disagrees with a hypothesis that it buries itself in soft sediment, perhaps even burrowing.  Diet  A mysid shrimp was found in the stomach of a specimen sampled from the Mediterranean (Nielsen and Cohen 1968). Stomach contents for 24 specimens sampled via deep trawl from the Adriatic consisted mainly of planktonic copepods, but also pelagic and benthic crustaceans. These results also showed that this species feeds mostly at night (Nielsen et al. 2009, Gramitto and Coen 1997). Reproduction Bellottia apoda is a viviparous, with internal fertilization and sexual dimorphism (Nielsen and Cohen 1968). Male fishes are characterized by the presence of an external reproductive organ anterior to the anal fin, which it uses to facilitate internal fertilization of females (Nielsen et al. 1999). A 3.8 cm SL female preserved specimen used in a description of B. apoda contains eggs 1 mm in diameter (Nielsen et al. 2009). The females of B. apoda are capable of storing packets of spermatophores until needed. Oocytes within the ovaries can number between 30 to 180 and tend to be in various developmental stages. Though a complete study of this species' reproduction is not yet available, it was observed for samples from the Adriatic that late summer is probably the main spawning season with full term embryos at 0.5 cm TL (Gramitto and Coen 1997).

threats:
There are no known, species-specific threats towards B. apoda. It is sometimes taken as bycatch in trawling fisheries, but this seems to occur relatively uncommonly (Erguden et al. 2010, Sartor et al. 2003).

conservationAction:
Other than no-trawl-zones, net restrictions and fishing seasons, there are no conservation measures in place for B. apoda in the northeastern Atlantic (including the Mediterranean and Black Seas). There are numerous marine protected areas across its range, but it is not known for sure if this species inhabits any of them. In the 2008 regional IUCN Red List assessment of Mediterranean species, B. apoda was listed as Least Concern (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011). Research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as potential threats is needed.

useAndTrade:
Bellottia apoda is not targeted by commercial fishing vessels (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is sometimes taken as bycatch in lobster and shrimp trawling efforts off of Turkey in the Mediterranean, but it apparently occurs rarely, with less than 1kg/hr of trawling recorded (Erguden et al. 2010, Sartor et al. 2003).


redListCategoryRationale:
Bythites islandicus is a rare species known from only one locality (rocky bottom) off the southeastern coast of Iceland. Little data are available on the population status, habitats or ecology. There are no known major threats. Therefore, B. islandicus is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Bythites islandicus is known from 15 specimens collected at one locality off the southeastern coast of Iceland at 223 to 285 m, but only four specimens were kept (Nielsen and Cohen 1973).

population:
Bythites islandicus is a rare species, known only from one locality.

habitat:
Little species-specific information is available. It is known from 200 to 300 m depth (Nielsen and Cohen 1973).

useAndTrade:
This species is not utilized and is of no interest to fisheries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Cataetyx alleni is a deep-water species associated with depths of between 480 and 1,000 m. It is relatively common in the western Mediterranean and locally abundant throughout its range in the northeastern Atlantic. It has an extremely diverse diet, grows rapidly, and probably has an extended reproductive season. There are no known major threats towards C. alleni. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Cataetyx alleni occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the northern Bay of Biscay to the northern coast of Morocco, and into the Mediterranean (Nielsen et al. 1999).  In the Mediterranean Sea: it is found in the Adriatic Sea (Ungaro et al. 2001, 2002), in north-west Mediterranean Sea (Morales-Nin 1990; Carrasson and Matallanas 1990, 1994, 2002; Matallanas 1983, Cartes et al. 2004, Lombarte and Cruz 2007, Stefanescu et al. 1992, Carrasson and Cartes 2002). It is associated with depths of between 480 and 1,000 m (Nielsen 1986).

population:
Cataetyx alleni is common to abundant in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean and Black Seas. In a trawling survey conducted on the slope of the Catalan Sea, at a mean depth of 604 m, two specimens were taken, but at a mean depth of 1,237 m, 44 specimens were taken, showing not only a preference for greater depths but also a greater concentration of the population (Stefanescu et al. 1994). At depths of below 1,000 m, C. alleni is considered abundant in the north western Mediterranean Sea (Stefanescu et al. 1992a). In the northeast Atlantic, this species is said to be locally abundant (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Habitat Cataetyx alleni is a bathydemersal, benthopelagic species (Nielsen et al. 1999). The maximum length of C. alleni is 12 cm total length (TL) (Nielsen 1986) and it grows relatively rapidly. At age zero, it is 3 cm in length. By the end of its second year, it is 9 cm  (Morales-Nin 1990).  Ecology Cataetyx alleni preys upon suprabenthic peracarid crustaceans (Carrasson and Cartes 2002). Cataetyx alleni has one of the highest dietary diversities of fishes below 1,000 m in the Catalan Sea. Specifically, C. alleni preys on small, epibenthic and endobenthic crustaceans, polychaetes and occasionally other benthic fishes. Isopods are the most frequent food item in the diet of C. alleni and the most targeted prey group is the gammaridean amphipods [which are actually consumed more frequently than isopods in the autumn but not as frequently year-round]. Polychaetes seem to be the major "accidental" prey of this species.(Carrasson and Matallanas 2002). Reproduction Cataetyx alleni is a viviparous species (Nielsen 1986). Males of C. alleni are characterized by a copulatory shield-shaped organ found after the anal opening, showing a flattened portion at rest on the ventral side whose posterior margin is invaginated like a glove finger. Females show no external sexual characteristics. The gonads are saccular and merge to the caudal tip and the connective tissue capsule surrounding them continues in a short and unequal oviduct (Folessa et al. 2011). The length at fist maturity for males and females is 8.3 cm and 7.7 cm TL, respectively. The ovaries of C. alleni show a ‘group-synchronous’ pattern, i.e. a mature female exhibits at least two contemporaneous yet distinct populations of oocytes: one at the mature stage and a more heterogeneous one consisting of small immature oocytes (Folessa et al. 2011). The occurrence of pregnant females only in November and January, in correspondence with the highest maturity of males, suggests a probable reproductive peak with copulation in autumn-winter. However, the occurrence of mature females in summer (June and September), autumn (November) and winter (January) could suggest a long reproductive period (Folessa et al. 2011).

threats:
Cataetyx alleni is sometimes taken as bycatch in deep-sea trawls, where it is usually discarded (Goffreso and Dubinsky 2014). However, there have not been any noticeable nor observed declines in C. alleni populations as of yet.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range. Cataetyx alleni has been regionally assessed in the Mediterranean by the IUCN and was assigned to the status of Least Concern (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
There is no commercial interest in C. alleni (Nielsen et al. 1999).

redListContributors:
Nielsen, J., Nouar, A., Kada, O., Golani, D., Quignard, J.P. & Cuttelod, A.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Cataetyx laticeps is an uncommon-to-rare deep-water species, that is not often caught, presumably because of the depth range it inhabits. However, it is widespread in the region, and there are no known threats. It is, therefore, assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Cataetyx laticeps is found in the eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998).  In the northeast Atlantic, Cataetyx laticeps occurs in scattered localities around the British Isles, Azores and France (Porteiro et al. 2010) and the Canary Islands. It is also reported from Iceland (Jonsson 1992). This species occurs in the western Mediterranean Sea (Geistdoerfer and Rannou 1970, 1972, Stefanescu et al. 1990, Stefanescu et al. 1992, Goren and Galil 2002, D'Onghia et al. 2004, Lombarte and Cruz 2007), the Ionian and Balearic Seas (Moranta et al. 1998, D'Onghia et al. 2004), Liguirian sea (Relini-Orsi 1976), and the Levantine basin. There are two records from the deep-waters off the Israeli coasts (Fishelson et al. 2000, Goren and Galil 2002). It is also found along the coast of West Africa to the Cape of Good Hope and from the Gulf of Mexico (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). It is most often associated with depths of between 500 and 3,650 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Cataetyx laticeps is thought to be an uncommon species (Nielsen et al. 1999). In a study published in 2013, a single specimen of C. laticeps was produced from trawl surveys that lasted a fiscal year and included 5 oceanographic cruises in the western Mediterranean (Tecchio et al. 2013). Also, a single specimen was photographed at nearly 3,000 m in depth off the coast of Israel (Danovaro et al. 2010). It has scant and patchy populations in the northeast Atlantic (Nielsen 1984).

habitat:
Cataetyx laticeps is a relatively uncommon benthopelagic, viviparous species mostly associated with depths greater than 1,000 m (Follesa et al. 2011). The maximum length recorded for this species is 65 cm total length (TL) (McEachran and Fechhelm 1998). Cataetyx laticeps consumes mainly suprabenthic prey (crustaceans and other fishes).  Little is known about the fecundity, spawning period or reproductive processes associated with C. laticeps.  The length of full maturity for C. laticeps is between 30 and 40 cm (MATURITY chart: Fishbase retrieved 17 February 2014).

threats:
There are no known major threats. This species has very low commercial importance. It is, however, sometimes taken as bycatch in deep-sea trawls, where it is usually discarded (Goffreso and Dubinsky 2014).

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. This species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range.  There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for C. laticeps. However, a ban on trawling in certain areas and depths of the Mediterranean and Northeast Atlantic by the FAO-General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) and European Union Commission of Fisheries helps protect this species. Furthermore, its range intersects with several marine protected areas.   This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).   Research into the population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is needed.

useAndTrade:
Cataetyx laticeps is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).

redListContributors:
Nielsen, J., Quignard, J.P., Kada, O., Golani, D., Nouar, A. & Cuttelod, A.


taxonomicNotes:
It was inventoried under the name Oligopus ater in Risso (1810), and was recorded in Algeria under the name Grammonus armatus Dodelein (Dieuziede and Roland 1958).

redListCategoryRationale:
Grammonus ater is restricted to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, where very few specimens have been collected. However, it is suspected to be more common than the records suggest, as it is a cave-dwellling species. There is very little population or ecological information available for this species. There are no known major threats. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Grammonus ater is restricted to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is found in the Mediterranean Sea, from the Balearic Islands to the Adriatic (Nielsen et al. 1999). It has been reported as occurring at the Azores (Carniero et al. 2014), but this remains unverified. It is associated with depths of five to 30 m (Nielsen et al. 1999, Bussotti and Guidetti 2010).

population:
Nielsen et al. (1999) lists this fish as uncommon. In a study conducted in the Ionian Sea, the mean density of G. ater in shallow cliffs was 0.4 and the frequency of occurrence was 13.3% (Bussotti and Guidetti 2009). It is rarely caught; however, it is suspected to be more common than records suggest.

habitat:
This is a reef-associated species that inhabits shallow rocky areas (Nielsen 1986). It is likely to be a deep dweller that migrates to coastal areas in August (Göthel 1992). It is nocturnal and hides in caves during the day (Göthel 1992). The maximum recorded length of this fish is 12 cm (Nielsen 1986). Grammonus ater is strictly speleophilic, cave-dwelling, and is usually found only within the darkest interior portions of underwater caves (Bussotti and Guidetti 2010). The main component of the diet of G. ater is benthic crustaceans (Costa 1991).  Like other members of its family, G. ater is viviparous and the oval eggs are inside of a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966).

threats:
There are no known threats towards this species.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. Its range overlaps with (and this species is confirmed to inhabit at least some) marine protected areas (Bussotti and Guidetti 2010). Grammonus ater was previously listed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean and globally (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).  Research is needed into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as potential threats of this species.

useAndTrade:
Grammonus ater is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is only known from one specimen that was taken off France. Research is needed into the distribution, population and habitats/ecology of this species. It is not of current interest to commercial fisheries. Therefore, Melodichthys hadrocephalus is assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is known only from one specimen, identified from the Celtic Sea. It was found at depths between 300 and 400 m (Nielsen 1986).

population:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is only known from one specimen.

habitat:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is a rare, benthopelagic speices (Nielsen et al. 1999).

threats:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is considered extremely rare and has only been sighted once off the coast of France. No threats towards this species are known at this time.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for M. hadrocephalus. Research is needed into the population size and structure, ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats to this species.

useAndTrade:
Melodichthys hadrocephalus is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Carapus acus is relatively common throughout most of its range in the northeastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This species is totally dependent on its host, and the distribution and impact of trawling on the hosts  (Holothuria tubulosa and Stichopus regalis) are unknown. The species is common throughout its range and has a wide range of hosts (molluscs and Holothurians). As of now, there are not any threats against this species; therefore, C. acus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Carapus acus is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is found from the Bay of Biscay south to Madeira, the Azores (Porteiro et al. 2010), and the Canary Islands (Dooley et al. 1985). It is also known from Ascensión and St. Helena islands. In the Mediterranean Sea, C. acus occurs throughout the basin and off north Africa (Markle and Olney 1990), including the Tyrrhenian sea (Carpentieri et al. 2005), in Corse waters (Parmentier et al. 2000) and in the Adriatic Sea (Ungaro et al. 1999, Louisy 2002). It is most often associated with depths of between 1 and 150 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Carapus acus  is a rather common species. According to Carpentieri et al. (2005), this species was sampled during four seasonal 24h surveys conducted in July 2001, November 2001, March 2002 and May 2002 in the shelf break off the central Tyrrhenian Sea. 18 specimens per hour were caught in July, 40 in November, 16 in March and 70 in May. Ungaro et al. (1999) mention that this species was sampled from trawl surveys carried out in the south Adriatic Sea, during summer 1996 and 1997 inside 112 stations (one haul/60 square nautical miles) with 72 hauls in the Italian area and 40 hauls in the Albanian area each year. Three specimens were caught in the Albanian area, one in the 51to 100, 101 to 200 and 201 to 500 bathymetric ranges, respectively. Nielsen et al. (1999) consider this a common species throughout it range.

habitat:
Habitat Carapus acus is a benthic species (Nielsen et al. 1999). Prejuveniles (tenuis larvae) probably inhabit the same host species while the vexillifer and egg-rafts are planktonic.   The longest specimen on record measures 20.8 cm total length (TL) (Markle and Olney 1990). Ecology The adults of C. acus are inquilinists, which are animals that live commensally on, in or in the dwelling place of its host (A Dictionary of Biology 2004); this species lives inside the respiratory tree or body cavity of shallow-water sea cucumbers (Holothuria tubulosa and Stichopus regalis), although some deep-water records exist (Markle and Olney 1990) and use them as a shelter (Schwartz et al. 2012). Prejuveniles (tenuis larvae) probably inhabit the same host species while the vexillifer and egg-rafts are planktonic. The fish may partly protrude or entirely leave its host at night to feed on small fish and benthic invertebrates (Nielsen et al. 1999). Carapus acus species have retained an apparatus enabling them to grasp and retain hard and elusive prey: strong jaws, high coronoid processes, a considerable dentition, a slight protraction of the upper jaws, the capacity to open the mouth wide and the presence of well-developed adductor mandibulae (Parmentier and Lanterbecq 2010). All of these features enable C. acus to feed upon a variety of benthic prey. Carapus acus primarily feeds on small crustaceans and smaller carapids (presumably always the same species, thus exhibiting cannibalism) (Arnold 1956, Trott 1981). Reproduction The family is characterized by presence of a vexillifer larva, which is planktonic and hatches from elliptical planktonic eggs (Trott 1981). Spawning may occur within the host sea cucumber (Trott 1981), and spawning is thought to occur between July and September (Trott and Olney 1986). It is not yet established whether spawning is seasonal or sporadic in carapids (Trott 1981). The fecundity, length at maturity and early life history traits of Carapus acus are poorly understood.

threats:
This is a species with no commercial interest. It is caught as bycatch by trawls, where it is usually completely discarded (Machias et al. 2001) If the host is threatened, this would have damaging consequences for C. acus. However, at this time, there are no, known species-specific threats towards C. acus.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas (MPAs) within its distribution. Research into the population size and trends, as well as the ecology and early life history of this species is needed. This species was assessed as Data Deficient in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
Carapus acus is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) This deep water species is known from the Mediterranean Sea and Madeira. It may be caught in by-catch, but it is a slender species that apparently escapes relatively easily from trawl nets. While it is considered uncommon, E. dentatus is assessed as Least Concern, as it does not seem threatened.

range:
Echiodon dentatus is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it occurs from the Iberian peninsula southward to the equator. It is found throughout the Mediterranean Sea, including the Adriatic Sea (Trott and Olney 1986) and Aegean Sea (Filiz et al. 2007). It also occurs near Madeira and south of the Azores (Great Meteor Tablemount), although these records are listed as indeterminate (Porteiro et al. 2010). Echiodon dentatus is associated with depths of between 120 and 3,250 m (Nielsen et al. 1999); in the Mediterranean Sea, E. dentatus may be more frequently found at depths of 100 and 300 m (Golani et al. 2006).

population:
Echiodon dentatus is listed as uncommon (Nielsen et al. 1999). There are 69 recorded occurrences in Fishbase. There is no further population information available.

habitat:
This is an uncommon benthic species (Nielsen et al. 1999). The adults are benthic and the juveniles are free-swimming (Wheeler 1979). The longest individual on record measures 25 cm total length (TL) (Olney and Markle 1979). Echiodon dentatus exhibits a marked preference for canyon and steep slope terrain (Stefanescu et al. 1994). The larvae for E. dentatus are vexillifers (Olney and Markle 1979).  Larval vexillifers of E. dentatus ingest calanoid copepods and small crustaceans (Olney and Markle 1979). In the closely related sister species, Echiodon exsilium, shrimp and crab make up the bulk of adult individual's diets (Parmentier and Vandewalle 2003). Spawning may be protracted in many areas of its range, and the larval period is most likely longer than other comparable fishes (Olney and Markle 1979).

threats:
This is a species with no commercial interest. It is caught as incidental bycatch by trawls, but not in large amounts.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within its distribution range. Echiodon dentatus has recently been listed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Malak et al. 2011). Its range overlaps with several marine protected areas. More research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is needed for this species.

useAndTrade:
This species is not utilized commercially.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) The species is widespread and common and there are no known threats. Therefore it is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Echiodon drummondii is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is distributed from the coasts of southern Norway to western Denmark, the British Isles (Nielsen et al. 1999), and the northern Bay of Biscay. It has also been reported from Iceland (Jonsson 1992), Morocco, Portugal, and the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014), although these need to be confirmed.  It is associated with depths ranging from 52 to 403 m (Williams and Shipp 1982).

population:
Echiodon drummondii is considered a relatively common species throughout most of its range (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Echiodon drummondii is a free-living (or possibly facultative commensual), benthic species of fish, growing to over 41 cm (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is assumed to feed on small invertebrates and fish (Nielsen et al. 1999, Muus and Nielsen 1999). The eggs are ovid-shaped and are pelagic and buoyant; they are smooth and not sticky (Russell 1976).  Little is known about the spawning, fecundity or early life history of this species.

threats:
There are no known threats towards E. drummondii. It is of no interest to commercial fishing industries.

conservationAction:
There are no speices-specific conservation measures in place for E. drumondii. However, its range intersects with a number of marine protected areas. It is listed on the Norwegian Red List as LC. Further research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as the potential threats is needed for this species.

useAndTrade:
Echiodon drummondii is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Within Europe, Acanthonus armatus is only recorded from the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
Worldwide, Acanthonus armatus is located in all tropical and subtropical oceans (Nielsen 1990, Nielsen et al. 1999). Within Europe it is found in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). It is associated with depths of between 1,500 and 4,400 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
Although there have not been any quantitative studies on the population size and trends for Acanthonus armatus, it has been described as "common" (Nielsen et al. 1990). It is reportedly "especially abundant" in the tropical western Atlantic (Nielsen 1990).

habitat:
Acanthonus armatus is benthopelagic at bathyal and abyssal depths (Yeh et al. 2005). The largest individual has been measures at 38 cm standard length (SL).  It is oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breeden and Rosen 1966). It is noted as having the smallest relative brain size among teleosts, and remarkably large semicircular canals (Nielsen 1994). The diet, fecundity, stages of maturation, and early life history traits for this species are poorly understood.

threats:
Currently, there are no known threats towards this species. However, it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting and mineral extraction and by climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011). 

conservationAction:
There are not any specific conservation measures in place for this species. There are numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) in the tropical oceans of the world; however, it remains unknown how effective (MPAs) are for deep-sea fauna (Howell 2010). Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species.

useAndTrade:
Acanthonus armatus is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Barathrites iris is a rare deep sea species but appears to be widely distributed. There are no known major threats, but very little data are available on the population status, habitats, or ecology of this species. Therefore, B. iris is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Barathrites iris may be circumglobally distributed in tropical to subtropical waters (Nielsen et al. 1999). In the northeastern Atlantic, it has been reported from the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014), off Madeira (Nielsen 1986), and south of Ireland (J. Nielsen pers. comm. 2014). It is known from 5,033 to 5,285 m (Nielsen 1986).

population:
This is a rare species (Nielsen 1999). Little population data are available.

habitat:
Barathrites iris is benthopelagic at depths ranging from 5,033 to 5,285 m (Nielsen 1986). It grows to at least 62.5 cm (Nielsen 1999) and is oviparous (Nielsen 1986).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Bassozetus compressus is a widely-distributed species, which within Europe is restricted to the waters of mainland Portugal and Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
Bassozetus compressus is found in the Atlantic and Indo-west Pacific Oceans (Nielsen et al. 1999) - there are 27 known localities. Within Europe, it has been recorded from the waters of mainland Portugal and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). The depths of the 25 Atlantic localities vary between 3180 and 5456 m.

population:
Although there have not been any quantitative studies to determine the population size and trends for this species, it has been described as "uncommon" (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Bassozetus compressus is a bathydemersal species, found on the continental slope (Hoese et al. 2006) to bathyal and abyssal depths (Yeh et al. 2005). The maximum length of this species is 62 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen and Merrett 2000). It is oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breden and Rosen 1966). Of 18 female specimens collected, 5 (measuring 23.2-50.0 cm (SL)) were more or less ripe with eggs measuring up to 0.5 mm in diameter (Nielsen and Merrett 2000).

threats:
There are no known threats towards this species. However, it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting and mineral extraction and by climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species. There are numerous marine protected areas that intersect its range; however, it remains unknown how effective (MPAs) are for deep-sea fauna (Howell 2010). Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species.

useAndTrade:
Bassozetus compressus is of no interest to commercial fisheries and is not utilized (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Bassozetus levistomatus is a circumtropically-distributed species, which within Europe is restricted to Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
Bassozetus levistomatus is a deep-sea dwelling, circumtropical species, inhabiting virtually all tropical marine waters around the world (Nielsen in press). Within Europe, it is known only from Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). It is confined to abyssal depths, globally, between 4,000 and 5,200 m (Nielsen et al. 1999, Nielsen and Merrett 2000).

population:
While there have not been any quantitative studies published on the population size and trends of Bassozetus levistomatus, it has been described as "rare" (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Bassozetus levistomatus is a deep-sea bathydemersal fish that is rarely encountered. It is found in deep, tropical waters in all major oceans around the world. The largest known individual measures 80.5 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen and Merrett 2000). Nielsen and Merrett (2000) identified polycheate remains in the intestines of a fully mature individual. No other diet information is available for this species. It is thought that the reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breden and Rosen 1966). Males are fully mature before they reach 73.5 cm (SL) and females reach sexual maturity before 80 cm (SL) (Nielsen and Merrett 2000). There are virtually no data concerning the full diet preference, stages of maturity, spawning periodicity or early life stages for this species.

threats:
There are no known threats towards Bassozetus levistomatus at present. However, it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting and mineral extraction and by climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species. There are numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) in tropical oceans around the world, but it remains unknown how effective (MPAs) are for deep-sea fauna (Howell 2010). Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species

useAndTrade:
Bassozetus levistomatus is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen in press).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) The species is listed as Data Deficient as only one specimen from European waters is known. The range of Bassozetus taenia may fall outside of Europe and needs to be confirmed.

range:
Bassozetus taenia is found in the waters of the western and eastern Atlantic, with on record to the west of the Canary Islands, then south of Cape Verde and infrequently along the mid-Atlantic Ridge (Nielsen 1990). It possibly occurs within the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, although this area is at the edge of its range (Nielsen and Merrett 2000). It is most often associated with extremely deep waters, from 1,783 to 5,605 m (Nielsen and Merrett 2000).

population:
Bassozetus taenia is considered a rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Bassozetus taenia is an oviparous fish, with oval, pelagic eggs that float in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). Of the 7 female specimens caught, 1 had eggs of 0.6 mm. No identifiable stomach contents were found (Nielsen and Merrett 2000). The maximum recorded length for this species is 25.0 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen 1990). There is little else known about the ecology and habitat of this species of fish.

threats:
There are no, known threats towards B. taenia. 

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in effect for Bassozetus taenia. Research into the population size and trends, as well as the ecology and early life history of this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
Bassozetus taenia is not of any commercial importance to fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


taxonomicNotes:
Taxonomic revision of the genus Bathyonus is needed in order to verify species distributions (Nielsen 1999). This entire genus is in need of revision, apparently. Nielsen et al. (2008) collected an specimen from the Southern Ocean, but did not describe it past the genus level because of unresolved taxonomic issues within the genus.

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bathyonus laticeps is a widely distributed, mainly Atlantic, deep sea species that can be locally abundant. Little species-specific information is available about its population, habitats, or ecology, and a taxonomic revision of the genus is necessary. There are no known major threats. Therefore, B. laticeps is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Bathyonus laticeps is thought to be circumtropical, but a taxonomic revision of the genus is necessary to verify the distribution. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it has been reported off the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014), and is likely found in the Canary Islands. It is distributed from 1785 to 4775 m depth (Nielsen 1990).

population:
This species can be locally abundant (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Bathyonus laticeps is a benthopelagic species at bathyl to abyssal depths (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is known to 24 cm (Nielsen 1990) and is oviparous (Nielsen 1986).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: : Least Concern (LC) Benthocometes robustus is found, regionally, around the Azores and Canary Islands, as well as off southern Portugal and in the Mediterranean Sea. It is thought to be a fairly common species (especially in the Mediterranean) and is not targeted nor utilized by the commercial fishing industry. There are no known threats towards this species, and due to its deep depth distribution, it is unlikely that human nor climate induced pressures will adversely effect this species. It is, therefore, listed as Least Concern.

range:
Benthocometes robustus is restricted to the Atlantic Ocean, where it is widely distributed. In the western Atlantic, it has been found  from George's Bank south to Brazil (Nielsen 1986, Haimovici et al. 1994). In the eastern Atlantic, it is known from the Azores and Portugal (Porteiro et al. 2010, Carneiro et al. 2014) south to the Canary Islands (Brito et al. 2005), including the Mediterranean Sea. In the Mediterranean Sea, it is known from the Balearic Sea, southern Sardinia, the Adriatic and eastern Ionian seas, and off Cyprus (Nielsen 1979, Nielsen 1990). It is most often associated with depths of between 500 and 1,000 m (Nielsen et al. 1999), but has been recorded from 385 to 1,200 m (Nielsen 1999).

population:
Benthocometes robustus is a fairly common species (Nielsen et al. 1999, Bilecenoglu et al. 2006, Tecchio et al. 2011).  The average biomass (in kg/h) of B. robustus in the central and eastern Mediterranean sea is 0.002 and the average density is 0.095 individuals per hour of trawling (D'Onghia et al. 2003). In the western Mediterranean, it has an average biomass of 11.6 individuals/km2 in the western Balearic Sea and is absent in the Ionian Sea (Tecchio et al. 2011).

habitat:
Benthocometes robustus is a benthopelagic species mainly found between depths of 500 and 1,000 m. However, it can be found at a wider ranging depth profile of 385 to 1,200 m. Benthocometes robustus has a maximum length of 15 cm total length (TL) (Nielsen 1990). This is an oviparous species, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). The larvae are epipelagic (Nielsen et al. 1999).  There is little information on the diet, fecundity, reproductive processes or other ecological characteristics of B. robustus.

threats:
It is unlikely that any major threats are impacting Benthocometes robustus, due to the deep-water nature of this species.

conservationAction:
There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for Benthocometes robustus. There are numerous marine protected areas across the range of B. robustus, but the depth preference of this species may exclude it from protection from threats (Bailey et al. 2009). Research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as potential threats are needed for this species. Benthocometes robustus was regionally assessed as Data Deficient in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
Benthocometes robustus is of no interest to commercial fishing companies.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Brotulotaenia brevicauda is a widespread species known from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. In the northeastern Atlantic, this species has only been recorded from northwestern Spain. It is unlikely that greater than 1% of the global population of this species is found within the assessment region. Therefore, B. brevicauda is assessed as Not Applicable.

range:
In the northeast Atlantic, Brotulotaenia brevicauda has only been caught off the northwestern coast of Spain (Neilsen et al. 1999).  Elsewhere, it is widely distributed throughout the Atlantic and Indian Oceans with occurrences on the Flemish Cap, east of Newfoundland, Grand Bank, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and mid-Atlantic Ridge  (Garrido-Linares and Acero 2006, Nielsen et al. 1999). Brotulotaenia brevicauda is associated with depth ranging between zero and 2,650 m (Banon et al. 1999). The shallow occurrence of this species is larval, and adults are deep-living. 

population:
Brotulotaenia brevicauda is listed as uncommon in most parts of its range (Nielsen et al. 1999), and in some cases, it is considered rare (Machida et al. 1997).  It is rare in museum collections, having only two occurrences worldwide (Accessed through the Fishnet 2 Portal 2014 February).

habitat:
Brotulotaenia brevicauda is a deep-water, species with a maximum size of 35 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen et al. 1999). It has pelagic larvae that transform to the juvenile stage at 6.2 and 7.8 cm SL (Nielsen et al. 1999, Carpenter 2002, Fahay and Nielsen 2003). It is probably a meso-to-bathypelagic carnavore (Nielsen et al. 1999). This species is a prey item for deep-living grenadiers (Macrourus berglax) and wolf-fish (Anarhichas minor) in the North Atlantic (Banon et al. 1999).  Brotulotaenia brevicauda may perhaps have a reproductive strategy similar to other members of this family, featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). Brotulotaenia brevicauda larvae use high degrees of crypsis and camouflage until a relatively large size (62 and 78 mm), when they begin to undergo metamorphosis (Suntsov 2007). Little is known about the spawning, fecundity or other ecological characteristics for this species. Brotulotaenia brevicauda is the sole genus in the subfamily Brotulotaeniinae. The most prominent distinguishing characters of this taxon are the presence of scales modified into small prickles and the absence of pelvic fin rays in adults (Fahay and Nielsen 2003).

threats:
Due to the deep depth range of Brotulotaenia brevicauda it is likely not affected by any commonly known threats.

conservationAction:
There are no conservation measures in place for this species. The distribution of Brotulotaenia brevicauda overlaps several marine protected areas (MPAs) throughout its range, but it is not known if it has specifically occurred within them or not. Research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history stages, as well as potential threats to this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
Brotulotaenia brevicauda is of no interest to commercial fishing companies (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) The species is listed as Data Deficient as it is only known from six specimens in European waters, although globally it would be considered Least Concern. Further research should be conducted to determine the wider distribution and population size and trends, as well as the ecology and early life history of this species.

range:
Brotulotaenia crassa is found in the waters of the eastern Atlantic, off of Iceland and southward to Portugal, Morocco, Madeira, and the Azores (Porteiro et al. 2010, Carneiro et al. 2014). It is also found off of South Africa (Nielsen et al. 1999). In the western Atlantic, it is found  around the West Indies, and throughout the Indian Ocean to the southwestern Pacific (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is associated with depths of between 249 and 1,100 m (Bogutskaya 2007).

population:
Brotulotaenia crassa is described as an uncommon species throughout most of its range (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Brotulotaenia crassa is a mesopelagic species (Hoese et al. 2006). It is oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). The maximum recorded length of this fish is 86 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen et al. 1999). There is limited information about the diet, spawning season, reproductive processes or other ecological information on B. crassa.

threats:
There are no known threats towards B. crassa.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for B. crassa. However, its range overlaps with numerous marine protected areas (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population size/trends, the ecology and early life history, as well as the potential threats towards this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
Brotulotaenia crassa is not commercially sought after by fisheries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) Brotulotaenia nigra is a widespread species, which within Europe is known only from Madeira. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
This species has a seemingly wide distribution in the Atlantic and west Pacific, although it is has been found at very few localities. Within Europe, it is only known from Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014).

habitat:
This is a marine, bathypelagic species, with a depth range of 1000-1100 m (Ocean Biogeographic Information System 2006).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Holcomycteronus squamosus is a deep sea species found in the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic, H. squamosus is known only from the Azores and Madeira. It is rare, and little is known about its population status, habitats, or ecology. There are no known major threats. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, H. squamosus is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Holcomycteronus squamosus is thought to be restricted to the Atlantic Ocean (Nielsen et al. 1999). In the northeastern Atlantic, it has been reported from the Azores, Madeira (Carnerio et al. 2014) and Canary Islands.  Its known depth range is from 2,605 to 5,055 m depth (Nielsen 1986, Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
This is a rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999). Little data are available about its population status.

habitat:
Little is known about the habitats and ecology of this rare, deep sea species. It is known from 2,605 to 5,055 m (Nielsen et al. 1999). The maximum known size is 27 cm SL and it is thought to be oviparous (Nielsen 1986).


range:
Lamprogrammus niger is circumtropical (Nielsen in press) and sometimes in sub-tropical to temperate waters (Quero 1998, Nielsen et al. 1999). It is associated with depths of between 740 and 2,000 m (Nielsen 1990). In the European region the fish is known from Portugal (the Azores archipelago; Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
Said to be locally abundant to 1,500 m (Nielsen et al. 1999). There has not been a quantitative analysis of the population size or trends for this species.

habitat:
Lamprogrammus niger is a bathypelagic fish that grows to a maximum size of 61 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is often found near the substrate in deep waters. Small specimens are ocassionally taken in mid water, pelagic trawls (Nielsen et al. 1999). The biology and ecology of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no known threats towards Lamprogrammus niger.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species.

useAndTrade:
Of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Monomitopus metriostoma is a rather common species of fish within its range. Its a bathypelagic species that is often found along the continental slope. There are no known threats towards this species and it is not targeted for commercial exploitation. Therefore, Monomitopus metriostoma is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Monomitopus metriostoma is found in the waters of Portugal, southern Spain, the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014) and the Canary Islands down to Angola (Nielsen et al. 1999). It is associated with depths from 235 and 1,570 m (Nielsen 1990).

population:
Nielsen et al. (1999) lists this fish as rather common, usually found along the continental slope.

habitat:
Monomitopus metriostoma is often found along the continental slope (Nielsen 1990). The maximum length of this species has been measured at 23.5 cm standard length (SL) (Neilsen 1990). While there is limited, species-specific information on the diet of Monomitopus metriostoma, gut content analysis of the closely associated sister species, Monomitipus magmus reveals a diet consisting of  both benthic and benthopelagic crustaceans and fishes (Carter and Cohen 1985). Monomitopus metriostoma is an oviparous reproducing species (Nielsen 1990), with oval, pelagic eggs that often float in gelatinous masses (Breder and Rosen 1966). The spawning periodicity, fecundity, and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no species-specific threats towards this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for Monomitopus metriostoma. There are a few marine protected areas that intersect with the range of this species (World Database on Protected Areas 2010).

useAndTrade:
This species is not targeted nor utilized by the commercial fishing industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Ophidion barbatum is a widespread and relatively common in the Mediterranean Sea, but it is widespread and relatively uncommon in the northeastern Atlantic. It is somoetimes caught as bycatch, but this is not thought to be damaging to the population at this time. Therefore, Ophidion barbatum is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Ophidion barbatum is found in the east Atlantic, from southern England to equatorial Guinea and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014), including the Mediterranean Sea (Nielsen et al. 1999). In the Mediterranean Sea, it occurs throughout the basin, including in the Catalan Sea (Coll et al. 2006), Gulf of Lion (Letourneur et al. 2001), Levantine basin, and in the Aegean Sea (Karakulak et al. 2006). An unusually deep record of Ophidion barbatum from Israel was from a depth down to 1,456 m (Goren and Galil 2002). There are no records form northern Algeria and eastern Tunisia. There is possibly one record in the Black Sea. It is mainly associated with depths of up to 150 m (Nielsen et al. 1999), but a minimum depth for this species has not been described.

population:
This is a common species. There are 543 recorded occurrences globally (Accessed through Fishnet2 Portal 2014 April). However, Nielsen et al. (1999) describe this species as uncommon. According to Karakulak et al. (2006), nine specimens were collected from a survey in the coastal waters of Turkey from March 2004 to February 2005, with total lengths ranging from 19.7 to 25.4 cm. Letourneur et al. (2001) mention that this species was sampled during summer 1984, winter 1984 and summer 1985 in the Gulf of Fos (France), a shallow semi-enclosed, soft-bottom zone located near the delta of the Rhone River.

habitat:
Ophidion barbatum is a sand dwelling species, which is also sometimes found in the Mediterranean seagrass, Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass known only from the Mediterranean (Casadevall et al. 1993). This is a demersal species (Nielsen et al. 1999), which can be found down to 150 m usually. The maximum recorded length of this species is 25 cm (Bauchot 1987). It probably eats benthic crustaceans and other benthic fishes (Matallanas and Riba 1980).  Ophidion barbatum is an oviprous species, producing pelagic eggs between July and October. Females are oogenic (Casadevall et al. 1993). The species has a rare type of spermatogenesis, called semicystic, in which the cyst ruptures in a stage prior to the spermatozoon stage. The most peculiar feature of the spermatozoon is its elongated shape, not typical of an oviparous species. Taking into account our results, the type of ovary and the spawning method, this species shows specialized characteristics which are fairly uncommon among oviparous species (Hernandez et al. 2005). The length at first maturity, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
The species is caught by trawls and mostly discarded. There are no other, known threats towards Ophidion barbatum.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in marine protected areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Ophidion barbatum was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
There is no interest in Ophidion barbatum in the commercial fishing industry at this time.

redListContributors:
Nielsen, J., Quignard, J.P., Golani, D., Nouar, A. & Cuttelod, A.


taxonomicNotes:
Ophidion rochei is often confused with Ophidion barbatum.

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Ophidion rochei is often confused with Ophidion barbatum. There is limited information on the biology, the range and the population trends of the species. It is, therefore assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
Ophidion rochei may be restricted to the Mediterranean Sea, where it occurs in the western and northern basins, and the Black Sea (Nielsen et al. 1999, Louisy 2002). This species is often confused with O. barbatum, which may explain records outside of the Mediterranean; taxonomic research in needed to clarify the distribution of this species. It is associated with depths of 0 to 150 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
According to Letourneur et al. (2001), this species was sampled during summer 1984, winter 1984 and summer 1985 in the Gulf of Fos (France) a shallow semi-enclosed soft-bottom zone located near the delta of the Rhone River. Nielsen et al. (1999) ranks O. rochei as uncommon. According to Pallaoro and Jardas (1996), O. rochei is fairly rare, while Kovacic (1998) noted it is rare in the Adriatic Sea.

habitat:
Ophidion rochei is a benthic, uncommon species that is found in the shallows to 150 m depth (Nielsen et al. 1999, Letourneur et al. 2001). It is most often is found on the sandy and muddy bottoms of the intertidal zone (Codina et al. 2012). The maximum recorded length of this species is 29.3 cm total length (TL) (Matallanas and Riba 1980). Ophidion rochei is a carnivore that consumes crustaceans and other small zoobenthic animals (Codina et al. 2012). It is a nocturnal predator. It often hides in the benthic sands at daytime but becomes very active during the night (Dulcic et al. 2002). Ophidion rochei may move into deeper water during colder months, possibly burrowing in the substratum (Dulcic et al. 2002). Ophidion rochei is oviparous (Dulcic et al. 2002). It appears to spawn in the spring (Dulcic et al. 1997). The fecundity, length at maturity and early life history traits of this species are poorly  understood.

threats:
This is a species with no large-scale commercial interest. It is sometimes caught as bycatch. Although there are no published documentations,  it appears to be utilized in some subsistence fisheries around the Mediterranean, but with little effect on the general population of the species. There are no other known threats towards O. rochei.

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in Marine Protected Areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the taxonomy, ecology, biology and potential threats is recommended for this species.

useAndTrade:
Ophidion rochei is not utilized in a commercial capacity. It is reportedly taken by some subsistence fisheries in the Mediterranean, but not in proportions large enough to negatively impact the population.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) There is very little data on the biology of Parophidion vassali and very little population information is available. It is therefore listed as Data Deficient. Further research should conducted to dertmine the status of this coastal and deep-water species as it may become threatened in the future.

range:
Parophidion vassali is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is found from the Bay of Biscay south to Morocco (Nielsen et al. 1999), including the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). In the Mediterranean Sea, P. vassali is known from the northern and western basins (Nielsen 1986, Somarakis et al. 2011).  Nielsen et al. (1999) associates Parophidion vassali with shallow coastal waters, but Nielsen (1986) postulates that this species is often found along the deeper parts of the continental shelf. There are no definitive depth data available. In the Aegean Sea, this species was taken at depths of less than 120 m (Somarakis et al. 2011).

population:
This is a rare species, ccording to Deudero et al. (2008). Parophidion vassali is an uncommon-to-rare species (Nielsen et al. 1999).  In a study conduct from June of 1997 through May of 1998 off the coast of northern Greece, larvae of P. vassali were identified only in one month [Sep. 1997] in which they accounted for only 3% of the total fishes identified in that month. No other P. vassali were encountered or identified during the study (Koutrankis et al. 2004). In a trawl study conducted in the Aegean Sea, the frequency of occurrence for P. vassali was 8% and 22% in the years 1994 and 1995, respectively (Somarakis et al. 2011).

habitat:
This is a benthic uncommon species (Nielsen et al. 1999) that is mainly found on the deeper parts of the continental shelf (Nielsen 1986), but also in shallower waters (Deudero et al. 2008). The longest individual measured is 25 cm standard length (SL) (Bauchot 1987). Parophidion vassali probably spawns in summer (Koutrakis et al. 2004) and is oviparous, with oval, pelagic eggs that float in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). There is little other information about the diet, reproductive processes, spawning periods, fecundity or other ecological aspects of this fish.

threats:
This is a species with no commercial interest. It may sometimes be caught as bycatch. .

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures for this species. However, this species may be found in Marine Protected Areas within its distribution range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). Research into the population, ecology and biology, as well as potential threats is needed for this species. Parophidion vassali was regionally assessed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean (Abdul Malak et al. 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species of fish is of no interest to commercial fishing industries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, Penopus microphthalmus is found in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, Penopus microphthalmus is found in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, Penopus microphthalmus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean. In the western Atlantic, it is found from 38°29'030''N, 70°57'W (holotype of P. macdonaldi), southwards through the Gulf of Mexico to 22°45.7'S, 40°19.6'W. In the eastern Atlantic, it is found from 34°28'N, 7°43'W, southwards through the Gulf of Guinea to 36°06'S, 19°33'E (Nielsen and Ohashi 2011), including the Azores. It has also been identified from off Cape Town, South Africa (Nielsen and Ohashi 2011).  This species is associated with depths of between 984 and 3,200 m (Nielsen and Ohashi 2011).

population:
Although there have not been any quantitative studies performed on the population size and trends of Penopus microphthalmus, it has been described as "rare" (Nielsen et al. 1999).

habitat:
Penopus microphthalmus is a benthopelagic, bathyal species that lives at great depths usually near the bottom but sometimes in the lower portions of the water column (Garrido-Linares and Arturo 2006). There seems to be some discrepancy as to the maximum length of this species. The maximum recorded length for this species by Nielsen (in press) is 25 cm standard length (SL). Nielsen and Cohen (1986) state the largest size for Penopus microphthalmus to be 35 cm total length (SL). There are limited data on the diet, reproductive processes and general biology and ecology of this species.

threats:
There are no known threats to Penopus microphthalmus at this time. However, it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting and mineral extraction and by climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas) (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011). 

conservationAction:
There are not any specific conservation measures in place for Penopus microphthalmus. Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species.

useAndTrade:
Penopus microphthalmus is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, Porogadus miles occurs only in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, Porogadus miles occurs only in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). It has a circumglobal distribution (Nielsen in press, Nielsen et al. 1999).  It is mostly concentrated in deep tropical and subtropical waters (Nielsen and Robins 2002). It is associated with depths of between 805 and 5,300 m (Nielsen et al. 1999).

population:
While there have not been any studies conducted on the population size and trends for this species, it has been described as "common" (Nielsen et al. 1999, Nielsen in press) throughout its range.

habitat:
Porogadus miles is benthopelagic at bathyal and abysall depths (Nielsen et al. 1999). The largest known individual measured 30 cm total length (SL) (Nielsen and Cohen 1986). The Pacific Ocean specimens differ from the Atlantic Ocean Porogadus miles in overall coloration. The latter are of apparently deeper coloration, being uniformly dark brown (Machida and Amaoka 1990). This species is oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). The biological and ecological aspects of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no current threats to Porogadus miles. It is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum currently, but these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting and mineral extraction and by climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas) (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
There are not any specific conservation measures in place for P. miles. Research into all areas of population size and trends, the ecology and early life history traits, as well as potential threats is suggested for this species.

useAndTrade:
Porogadus miles is of no interest to commercial fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC) In the European region, this fish is known from the northeast Atlantic from Iceland south to the Azores. This bathydemersal species is found in depths between 1,772 and 3,677 m and appears to be rare. There are no known major threats and it is not utilized. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.

range:
The fish is present in the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. In the European region, the fish is is known from the northeast Atlantic Ocean from Iceland and the United Kingdom south to the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014).

population:
This bathydemersal species appears to be rare (Fishnet2 Portal 2015). There is limited information available on its population status and trends.

habitat:
Spectrunculus crassus is a bathydemersal species found in depths from 1,772 to 3,677 m (Uiblein et al. 2008). There is limited information available on its life history characteristics. A specimen from the Pacific Ocean was found to have the following stomach contents: detritus, gastropods, crustaceans, ophiurids, remains of polychaetes, foraminifera, sediment, and bivalves (Uiblein et al. 2008).

threats:
A deep-water fish with no known threats.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation actions in place for this species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment Spectrunculus grandis is quite common throughout the European region. It is sometimes taken in small numbers as bycatch in trawl industries, but it is not thought that enough individuals are taken to adversely affect the population of the species. There are no other major threats to the species, as it inhabits very deep depths. There are not any specific conservation measures in place for S. grandis, but marine protected areas are numerous throughout its range. Therefore, Spectrunculus grandis is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Spectrunculus grandis is a circumglobal species, inhabiting all of the major oceans of the world (Uiblein et al. 2008). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is found as far north as the Rockall and the Porcupine Abyssal Plain (Henriques et al. 2002). It is also found off of Portugal, Madeira and the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). It is associated with depths from 800 and 4,300 m (Nielsen and Hureau 1980, Bianchi et al. 1999). It is most often encountered at depths ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 m (Mundy 2005).

population:
Spectrunculus grandis is quite common throughout most of its range (Uiblein et al. 2008). Along the Rockall Trough and Porcupine Segbight, S. grandis is consistently in the top ten most abundant species in trawls over 2,000 m (Gordon et al. 1996). Spectrunculus grandis was also found to be one of the more common deep sea demersal scavenging fishes in the northeast Atlantic (Henriques et al. 2002, King et al. 2006).

habitat:
Spectrunculus grandis is a marine, bathydemersal fish that is common over most of its range. It has been recorded at 127 cm, maximum length (Nielsen et al. 1999). Spectrunculus grandis consumes gastropods, crustaceans, polychaete remains and detritus (Uiblein et al. 2008).  It is oviparous, with oval, pelagic eggs floating in gelatinous mass (Breder and Rosen 1966). However, the larvae are epipelagic (Ambrose 1996). Little else is known about the habitat, reproduction, spawning, fecundity or other ecological aspects of this fish.

threats:
Spectrunculus grandis is sometimes taken in bottom trawls, especially as bycatch. There are no species-specific landing rates reported, but it is not thought that the small-scale harvesting of this species poses any threat at this time.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for S. grandis, but it range overlaps with many marine protected areas. It cannot be determined if the extreme depth preference of this species allows marine protected areas to offer any protection to this species.

useAndTrade:
Spectrunculus grandis is of minor commercial interest. It is sometimes caught in bottom trawls (Bianchi et al. 1999). And it is sometimes taken as bycatch in deep water trawls (Uiblein et al. 2008). There are no specific landings reports for S. grandis, but it is not taken in large numbers (Uiblein et al. 2008).


taxonomicNotes:
Thalassobathia pelagica was moved from family Bythitidae to the family Ophiidae by Nielsen et al. (2010).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Thalassobathia pelagica is a bathypelagic species, which may inhabit great depths and stays in close association with large Stygiomedusa spp. of jellyfish. It is very uncommon and sometimes rare in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters. Thalassobathia pelagica is not utilized in a commercial capacity, and the extreme depth preference of this species shields it from almost all known threats. There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species, but marine protected areas are located throughout its range. Because this fish is considered very uncommon and there is little about the biology and ecology of this species that is understood, it is assessed as Data Deficient

range:
Thalassobathia pelagica is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean, where it has been reported from scattered locations from Greenland south to the Congo (Nielsen 1986; Nielsen et al. 1999, 2010). A specimen of Thalassobathia reported from the Bering Sea has been identified as T. pelagica (Prokofiev and Kukuev 2008). In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known from Jan Mayen and Iceland south to the Iberian peninsula. Globally, it has been caught at depths of between 350 and 2,000 m (Nielsen et al. 2010).

population:
This species is reported to be very uncommon (Nielsen et al. 1999). It has also been described as rare in northeast Atlantic (Warkentine and Rachlin 1989).

habitat:
Thalassobathias pelagica is benthopelagic species found at a depth range of 350–2,000 m. This species is often found living with sea nettles (jellyfish) of the genus Deepstaria, and isopods of the genus Anuropus (Robison 2004).  Thalassobathias pelagica is also reported to have a commensal relationship with the Scyphomedusa (jellyfish), Stygiomedusa gigantean (Drazen and Robison 2004). The maximum length of T. pelagica is 22.1 cm standard length (SL) (Nielsen 1990). The specific diet of T. pelagica is unknown, but due to its morphological characteristics, there is a high probability that it is a lie-in-wait predator (Robinson 2004), and due to its association with jellyfish, it more than likely has developed a method of feeding off the discarded prey of the jellyfish.  The spawning periodicity, fecundity, maturation stages and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
Due to the deep-water nature of Thalassobathia pelagica, it is unlikely that it is being impacted by any major threats at present.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for Thalassobathia pelagica.  Further research is needed on this distribution of this species, to establish the full range of T. pelagica in the southeast Atlantic. Its range intersects with numerous marine protected areas, which may or may not encompass the depth preference for this species.

useAndTrade:
Thalassobathia pelagica is of no commercial interest to fisheries (Nielsen et al. 1999).

redListContributors:
Livingston, F., Wilson, P., Lintott, P., Kemp, K., Batchelor, A., Milligan, H.T., Nielsen, J., De Silva, R., Lutz, M., Jopling, B., Lewis, S., Sears, J. & Smith, J.


redListCategoryRationale:
All seven known specimens of this species are reported from Europe. This species is known to occur in the Azores and off mainland Portugal, north to off northwestern Ireland and to about 60° N off southwestern Iceland. However,  it is thought that the distribution of this species might extend out of  the European region and further research is required. Due to limited information on the population and distribution of this species, it is assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
This species occurs in the Azores and off mainland Portugal (Santos et al. 1997, Carneiro et al. 2014), north to off northwestern Ireland and to about 60° N off southwestern Iceland. Based on known specimens, this species is endemic to Europe. However, it is thought that the distribution of this species might extend out of the European region and further research is required (G. Ralph pers. comm. 2015).

population:
This species is only known from seven specimens (Nielsen 1986).

habitat:
This is a marine bathypelagic cusk eel (FishBase 2015). The maximum length record was 4.5 cm NG male/unsexed (Nielsen 1986).

threats:
The threats to this deep-water species are unknown.

useAndTrade:
This species is not utilised and is of no interest to fisheries.


range:
In Europe, this species occurs in the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014). It has a circumglobal distribution. The reported depth range of this species ranges from zero to 3,000 m.

population:
There is little species-specific population information available for P. plagiophthalma. This species is represented by 27 lots (www.FishNet2.net Database searched June 2014).

habitat:
This species is found on the continental slope (Hoese et al. 2006). This species is viviparous (Nielsen et al. 1990).

threats:
There are no known species-specific threats to P. plagiophthalma.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for P. plagiophthalma.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Alepocephalus agassizii is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean where it is common but not usually abundant. However, it has been recorded among the 10 most abundant species collected from sites between Rockall Trough and Porcupine Seabight. It is of potential commercial interest to the fisheries industry but is not currently utilized. If this species becomes commercially important, which is unlikely, populations may quickly decline due to its low fecundity and slow maturation. There are no known widespread threats at this time. Therefore, Alepocephalus agassizii is listed as Least Concern

range:
Alepocephalus agassizii is a bentho-pelagic species, endemic to the northern Atlantic Ocean. In the western Atlantic, A. agassizii is found from Greenland and the Davis Strait to Honduras (Markle and Sazanov 1990, Møller et al. 2010). In the eastern Atlantic, it is found from Iceland, the west British Isles, France, Spain, the Azores, Maderia, the Canary Isles, Morocco, and south to Mauritania (Markle and Sazanov 1990). The species is found at depths from 600 to 3,100 metres (Markle and Sazanov 1990, Porteiro et al. unpublished data).

population:
Alepocephalus agassizii is relatively abundant in the northeastern Atlantic and adjacent regional waters. In trawls from the Porcupine Seabight and Abyssal Plain (eastern North Atlantic), this species was one of the 20 top ranking species taken; the family, Alepocephalidae, was among the dominant families from the slope to the abyss (Merrett et al. 1991). Alepocephalus agassizii represented 0.4% of the 10 most abundant species (total number of fish = 2739) collected at Rockall Trough from six semi-balloon otter trawls at 1,750 m. This species also represented 2.2% of 10 most abundant species (total number of fish = 228) collected from the same site and method (1 haul) at 2,000 m. It represented 0.8% of the 10 most abundant species (total number of fish = 1,404) collected at Porcupine Seabight from six semi-balloon otter trawls at 2,500 m (Gordon et al. 1996). One-hundred thirty-three specimens of A. agassizii were caught via bottom trawls from four different sub-areas on the MAR between the Azores and Iceland as a part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008). Alepocephalus agassizii is reportedly common in the Greenland area and has a spawning population (Møller et al. 2010).

habitat:
Alepocephalus agassizii is a marine, bentho-pelagic species that occurs between depths of 600 to 2,500 m. This is a gregarious species that is found over sand and clay bottoms (Markle and Quéro 1984b).  The maximum standard length is 7 cm male/unsexed (Markle and Sazanov 1990) and the common standard length is 70 cm male/unsexed (Markle and Quéro 1984a). It mainly feeds on ctenophores, but also consumes crustaceans, echinoderms, and polychaetes (Markle and Sazanov 1990).   There is little life history information available for this family (Alepocephalidae), but this family is regarded as being low in fecundity and a slowly maturing species (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012). A female specimen of 64 cm produced 9,150 eggs at up to 2.8 mm in diameter (Markle and Quéro 1984b). The closely related Alepocephalus rostratus has a maturity length of 27.7 cm and 23.6 cm for males and females, respectively (Tsikliras and Stergiou 2014).

threats:
There are no major threats known for this species, although it is caught as bycatch in other bottom trawl industries throughout its range. Bycatch may constitute a significant threat to Alepocephalidae at the local or national level. Monitoring of bycatch amounts for this species is suggested.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution may overlap with marine reserves in parts of its range; however, it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species (Davies et al. 2007). Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and potential threats..

useAndTrade:
There is no recognized economic value for this species at present time; however, some potential exists at the family level for commercial fishery outside of Europe (Hartel in press, Cervigón and Fischer 1979).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Alepocephalus australis has a circumglobal distribution in sub-tropical, anti-tropical and temperate waters. It is common but is not usually abundant in European waters. It was recorded among the 10 most abundant species collected from Rockall Trough. This species is of potential interest to the fisheries industry which may pose a threat due to the low fecundity and slow maturation of this species, but it does not face any major threats at this time and is not commercially utilized. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but it may be protected by the marine protected areas that overlap with its distribution. Therefore, Alepocephalus australis is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Alepocephalus australis is circumglobally distributed, mostly in the southern hemisphere. In the southern Atlantic, it is found from Morocco to South Africa. It inhabits the waters of the western Atlantic Ocean from approximately 39°N to 10°N. This species is also found in the southwest Pacific Ocean (Markle and Quéro 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic, A. australis is distributed from Iceland southward to the British Isles, the Bay of Biscay, north-west Spain, the coast of Portugal, the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands (Lloris et al. 1991).  The species is found at depths of 1,000 to 3,000 m (Porteiro et al. unpublished data).

population:
The species is common within European waters down to approximately 3,000 m. Only 17 specimens of A. australis were caught via bottom trawls from three different sub-areas on the MAR between the Azores and Iceland as a part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008). Alepocephalus australis represented 1.3% of the 10 most abundant species (total number of fish = 632) collected from Rockall Trough by four semi-balloon otter trawl hauls at 2,500 m (Gordon et al. 1996). A survey of the composition and distribution of deepwater ichthyofauna of the Lord Howe Rise and Norfolk Ridge indicate that the family Alepocephalidae was one of the two important families in depths sampled from 1,000 to 1,500 m. This species occurred commonly and was one of the 25 most abundant taxa (biomass) in the survey (Zintzen et al. 2011). In a survey of the ichthyofauna of the Mozambique Seamount, this species was among the ten species with the greatest numbers and commercial prospect (Parin et al. 2008).

habitat:
Alepocephalus australis is a bentho-pelagic species that occurs at depths between 1,000 and 3,000 m.  This species feeds on a variety of food items including shrimp, squid, fish, salps and holothurians (Parin et al. 2008). There is little life history information available for this family (Alepocephalidae), but they are regarded as low-fecundity and slow-maturing species (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012) Species-specific reproductive traits, such as spawning season, fecundity and early life history, are poorly understood. The family of Alepocephalidae predominantly contains benthic-pelagic species, occurring in depths from 600 to 5,000 m, and are most numerous below 1,000 m. Species within the family prey on a variety of food items including ctenophores, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes. . .The maximum size of the species is 70 cm (SL) (Hartel in press)

threats:
There are no major threats known for this species, although it is occasionally caught as bycatch in trawls throughout its range. Bycatch may constitute a significant threat to Alepocephalidae at the local or national level, although this is not known and monitoring could be utilised to determine this (J. Gil Herrera pers. comm. 2014).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution may overlap with marine reserves in parts of its range; although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species (Davies et al. 2007).  Trawling in Canarian waters is prohibited with few exceptions (Popescu and Ortega Gras 2013). Regulations constituted by the United Nations prohibit bottom trawling and bottom gillnetting below 200 meters in the waters surrounding the Azores, Canary and Madeira Islands (Regulation (EC) No 1568/2005), as well as the use of bottom gillnets in all European waters below 600 m depth (Regulation (EC) No 1288/2009) (www.savethehighseas.org/whatsbeendone/europeanunion.cfm).  This species was assessed as Data Deficient in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
There is no recognized economic value for this species at present time; however, some potential exists at the family level for commercial fishery outside of Europe (Hartel in press, Cervigón and Fischer 1979).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) This species is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean from north to tropical areas where it is common and abundant in some areas; it has been reported as abundant from Hatton Bank, Rockall Trough, and Porcupine Bank. It is only of minor commercial importance to the fisheries industry,however it is of increasing interest and landings of this species have markedly increased in recent years. This species is also among the three most dominant discard fish recorded from the French deep-water trawl fisheries, and it has been recorded as bycatch from other fisheries in the region.  Though it is not currently facing any major threats outside of fishing exploitation, it may be potentially threatened by overfishing since landings  of this species have increased in recent years and it has a high estimated vulnerability index. There seems to be interest in the commercial fishing industry in increasing efforts to land A. bairdii. There are no estimates of biomass of A. bairdii, and the effect of increasing fishing pressure and landings is unknown. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species and landing/catch records are likely to be unreliable. Several marine protected areas occur within its distribution, but they may not protect this fish due to its depth range. Therefore, A. bairdii is listed as Data Deficient, pending further research into the population status and stability of the stock.

range:
Alepocephalus bairdii is endemic to the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic, A. bairdii is found from Greenland, Iceland and south of the Faroe Islands, to the British Isles and south towards the Bay of Biscay, north and north-west Spain, the coast of Portugal. Also, Alepocephalus bairdii is found in Madeira and the Canary Islands (Whitehead et al. 1984).  This species occurs at depths from 365 m to 2,200 m.

population:
The species is common throughout its range.   Alepocephalus bairdii was a dominant component in the Spanish deep-sea fishery conducted in Hatton Bank (North East Atlantic) with this species comprising 41% of the catches (Munoz and Marcote 2001).  Alepocephalus bairdii inhabits a wide depth range with fish biomass increasing in the 1,000 m bathymetric zone in the northeastern Atlantic (Gordon 1986). This species is one of the principal components of the fish assemblages between 1,000 and 1,250 m, and forms a significant proportion of the discards of the fishery targeting Coryphaenoides rupestris (32% in weight of the catch) (Allain and Kergoat 1997). Alepocephalus bairdii was found in 94% of the trawls from a survey at the Hatton Bank study area during the second half of 2005 (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012). It was recorded during deep-sea and trawl surveys from 2005-2007 as one of the most abundant (in terms of biomass) species in the Hatton Bank area, especially in the <1,300 assemblage but also present in the >1,300 assemblage (Durán Muñoz et al. 2009).   A total of 1,638 specimens of A. bairdii were caught from 27 trawl hauls ranging from 750 to 1,500 m during a deepwater survey on the western continental slope and Porcupine Bank in 2006.  It was also among the top 20 most abundant species with 2,543 specimens (Hareide et al. 2006). This species is also the dominant species by weight (depending on trawl type) collected from Rockall Trough between 1,000 and 1,500 m (Gordon 2006).

habitat:
Habitat and Ecology Alepocephalus bairdii is a benthopelagic species found above sandy bottoms (Markle and Quero 1984), in depths from 365 to 2,200 m within European and surrounding regional waters (Whitehead et al. 1984). The species seems to exhibit ontogenetic migration, with the larger individuals inhabiting all depth ranges but concentrated in the 1,000 m depths within its range and the smaller individuals (<50 cm) occur at around 800 m (Allain et al. 2003). It prefers to be over soft, ooze and sandy bottoms (Markle and Quero 1984). The maximum standard length for this species is 100 cm standard length (SL) male/unsexed (Markle and Sazonov 1990) and the maximum reported age is 38 years (Allain and Lorance 2000).  Diet This is a gregarious species that mainly feeds on coeleneterates, but also on decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Markle and Quero 1984). Smaller fish tend to feed more on polychaetes, copepods, and amphipods while larger fish feed primarily on pelagic organisms, including medusae, mysids, decapods, squid, and fish (Mauchline and Gordon 1983). Reproduction Females mature at 55 cm (SL) and at 15 years of age. The precise period of reproduction for this species was not determined in a study conducted by Allain (2001) in the northeast Atlantic although it has been suggested that spawning in the central eastern Atlantic takes place in winter (Golovan and Pakhorukov 1975). However, Valerie (2001) concludes that females spawn throughout the year with a maximum from January to April. In the Allain research (2001), mature fish were found throughout the year with a major spawning period from January to April. Oocyte development within the population was not synchronous. Annual fecundity was indeterminate, but batch fecundity was estimated at 458–7049 oocytes per female. There was a trend for an increase in the duration of the reproductive period and a decrease in synchronicity of maturation with increasing depth (12 month reproductive period). This species is a batch spawner. A long spawning period and asynchrony in maturation may be partially explained by the lack of marked cyclic environmental factors in the deep sea (Allain 2001). The smaller females (<73 cm Standard Length) undergo a reproductive resting period during their first sexual cycles, larger females do not undergo a resting period (Allain 2001).   Eggs have been reported to be 4.5 mm in diameter (Markle and Quero 1984)

threats:
Alepocephalus bairdii is of minor commercial importance to the fisheries industry, but it is increasingly becoming more attractive to commercial fisheries (Gubbay et al. 2003).    Alepocephalus bairdii is an important bycatch of the French deep-water fishery and is one of the most frequently discarded species (Allain 2001) with annual discards of the fishery amounting to 17,500 tonnes in 1996 and 1997; however, there is a level of uncertainty in these results (Allain et al. 2003). In the northeast Atlantic Ocean, this species was caught from depths >800 m.  Total length of this species in catches ranged from 24 to 51 cm and weight fluctuated from 66 to 730 g.  The majority (85%) of A. bairdii caught in this report were immature  ICES 2004). This species is one of the principal components of the fish assemblages between 1,000 and 1,250 m, and forms a significant proportion of the discards of the fishery targeting Coryphaenoides rupestris (32% in weight of the catch) (Allain and Kergoat 1997). This species was a dominant bycatch in a survey of Orange Roughy spawning aggregations in Porcupine Bank off of the Irish Coast (O'Donnell et al. 2007). Alepocephalus bairdii  had an estimated discard rate of 18% by weight during a survey of the Hatton Bank study area in 2005 (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012). This species was identified as one of the three dominant fish (along with Deania calceus and Coryphaenoides rupestris) in the discards from French deep-sea trawlers in 1996. It was estimated that for every ton of fish landed, approximately one ton of fish was discarded (Gubbay 2003). This species was reported to comprise  61% of total discards from the French deep-water trawl fishery in 2004 (ICES 2004). Norse et al. (2012) estimated the intrinsic vulnerability index (IVI) for A. bairdii to be 67, using its estimated maximum body length, maximum population growth, and maximum age (yr). Any species given an IVI of >60 was considered to be highly vulnerable to overfishing by deep-sea fisheries. Catches of Alepocephalus bairdii have increased markedly in recent years according to NEAFC Catch Statistics (Rogers and Gianni 2009).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species (Rogers and Gianni 2009). However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range; although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species.  Alepocephalus bairdii has been listed as a "species for which data must be collected under deepwater fisheries management legislation" by the European Union under Council Regulation 2347/2002. Council Regulation 2347/2002 also states that any vessel landing more than 10 tonnes of these deepwater species annually must carry a license, and vessels landing less than 100 kg per trip and less than 10 tonnes per year of these species are exempt from having a deepwater permit (Clarke and Patterson 2005).   In the eastern central Atlantic region, trawl fisheries are not allowed to trawl deeper than 200 m (COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1811/2004). Research into the population size and trends, the habitats, ecology and early life histories, require further study. It is suggested that a more stringent policy of monitoring the harvest of this species is put into place.

useAndTrade:
Alepocephalus bairdii is of minor commercial importance to the fisheries industry.Alepocephalus bairdii is caught as bycatch in deep-sea trawling industries. Approximately 50% of the bycatch on Hatton Bank is A. bairdii, and it is discarded (Gubbay et al. 2003). The catch totals peaked in 2003 (9,664 tonnes) and declined dramatically until 2007 (215 tonnes). However, the catch totals have increased since 2007 (1,516 tonnes was catched in 2009) (FAO 2009).According to the FAO Guide, catch totals were listed as following: (FAO 2009) In 2003- 9,664 tonnes was fishedIn 2004- 7,492 tonnes was fishedIn 2005- 998 tonnes was fishedIn 2006- 1,034 tonnes was fishedIn 2007- 215 tonnes was fishedIn 2008- 1,879 tonnes was fishedIn 2009- 1,516 tonnes was fished. This species has recently been determined a target species on the Hatton Bank, but is infrequent in other deep-water trawl fisheries that operate to the west of the British Isles; Smoothhead are the main non-macrourid discard species west of the British Isles. CPUE for A. bairdii from the four sites surveyed around Hatton Bank ranged from 19.0 to 105.3 (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012). In recent years A. bairdii has been almost entirely landed by Spain (subareas XII and VIb). This fishery has recently maintained a high degree of retention (89%-96%) of Smoothheads (ICES 2004).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Alepocephalus productus is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean and is speculated to have a circumglobal distribution. It is a common species is deep-water trawl surveys but is not usually abundant. This species is of no interest to the fisheries industry and does not face any major threats at this time. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but may occur in marine protected areas throughout its range. Therefore, Alepocephalus productus is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Alepocephalus productus is thought to have a circum-global distribution. In the western Atlantic Ocean, it is known from two localities (20° and 39°N). One specimen was recorded from the Patagonian region of Argentina (Nakamura et al.1986). This species is present in the western central Pacific as well (Sazonov and Markle 1999).  In the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Alepocephalus productus is found off south western Ireland, the Bay of Biscay, the Azores, the Canary Islands and Morocco (Markle and Quero 1984). Alepocephalus productus was recorded for the first time from the waters of Azores (Sedlo Seamount) during a trawl and longline survey conducted in April and June of 2001, December 2001, January 2002, October 2003, and September 2004 (Menezes et al. 2012). The species is found at depths from 2,000 m to 3,000 m (Nakamura et al. 1986).

population:
Alepocephalus productus was recorded in trawl surveys at Porcupine Bank in 2006 with 21 specimens and in 2008 with 14 specimens (Johnston et al. 2010). A total of 40 A. productus specimens were collected by bottom trawling from two sampling areas on the MAR between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008). There are no further population data available.

habitat:
Alepocephalus productus is a marine, benthopelagic species that occurs at depths from 2,000 to 3,000 m. This species is found over soft bottoms . The maximum standard length for this species is 41 cm standard length (SL), and this is based upon a single specimen from Patagonia (Nakamura et al. 1986). There is severely limited information regarding the diet, spawning season, spawning type, fecundity, or early life history of this species.  The family Alepocephalidaen feed on a wide range of food items, including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates and fishes (Carter and Hartel 2002).

threats:
Alepocephalus productus is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Cervigón and Fischer 1979). There are no known major threats to the species.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Alepocephalus productus. It is unknown whether the species occurs within any protected areas. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and potential threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Alepocephalus productus is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Cervigón and Fischer 1979). However, some species of Alepocephalidae congregate in commercial-sized quantities in the North Atlantic, and although the flesh is mild tasting and somewhat poor texture, some potential still exists for a commercial fishery (Carter and Hartel 2002).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) This species is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean where it is fairly common throughout its range. It is not commercially utilized and is not known to face any major threats at this time. However if it were to become of commercial interest, it is estimated to have moderate vulnerability to overfishing.  There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but it has gained attention of the European Union for further study. Therefore, Alepocephalus rostratus is listed as Least Concern, but it is suggested that close watch be kept on this species in the future if commercial fishing industries begin increasing landings of this species.

range:
Alepocephalus rostratus is widely distributed in the Atlantic and is found from the Porcupine Sea Bight (southwest coast of Ireland) (Merrett et al. 1991) to the southwest coast of Africa (Markle and Quéro 1984, Lloris 1986, Markle and Sazanov 1990) via the Bay of Biscay, the Azores, the north west Mediterranean, south Sardinian waters and near the Canary Islands. This species has been recorded in the Rockall Trough area (northwest coast of Ireland), however, it is rare and most likely does not maintain a stable population in the area (Gordon and Duncan 1985, Morales-Nin et al. 1996). In the Catalan Sea (north west Mediterranean), it is a sub-dominant species from the upper to the lower slope, with maximum concentrations between 1,000 and 1,450 m depth (Stefanescu et al. 1992). This species is found at depths from 500 to 2,250 m. 

population:
The species is fairly common throughout its range.  Trawl surveys in the Balearic basin of the western Mediterranean, show that this species is abundant in depths from 800 to 1,000 m (Tecchio et al. 2011). Alepocephalus rostratus was also reported to contribute to high biomass values in depths between 720 and 1,099 m in south Sardinian waters (Follesa et al. 2007). Alepocephalus rostratus was recorded as a rare species (5 specimens collected from three hauls over a two day period) in the British Seas from trawl surveys taken in 1968 (Wheeler and Blacker 1972). The abundance and biomass of this species was recorded from the Porcupine Seabight with 16 fish km-2 (standard deviation of 21) and 12.05 kg km-2 (standard deviation of 15), respectively (Cousins et al. 2013). Twenty-five specimens of A. rostratus were collected during deep-water trawl surveys on the continental shelf and Porcupine Bank in 2006, but none were collected in 2007 or 2008 (Johnston et al. 2010). According to post-workshop survey data, A. rostratus is increasing in both biomass and numerical abundance indexes from between 1994 and 2010 (J. Gil Herrera unpubl. data).

habitat:
Alepocephalus rostratus is a benthopelagic species and is commonly found over soft bottoms (Markle and Quéro 1984). Alepocephalus rostratus is known to live for 23 years but a common lifespan is between 7 and 12 years (Morales-Nin et al. 1996). The maximum size of the species is 70 cm (SL) (Hartel in press). Juvenile specimens (less than 10 cm) of A. rostratus are found at depths less than 900 m, immature fish (less than 23 cm) are found at a maximum depth of 1,400 m and specimens greater than 38 cm are always found below 900 m (Morales-Nin et al. 1996). Mature specimens of A. rostratus are caught year round but a higher percentage of mature individuals are caught in autumn (Marales-Nin et al. 1996). This species feeds on crustaceans (Macpherson and Roel 1987).  The ovarian structure of A. rostratus was similar to that observed in other Alepocephalidae and showed 'group-synchronous' development. Reproductive activity is at its peak in autumn (September and November). In the Mediterranean, the maximum recorded size is 45 cm TL with 50% maturity attained at 23.6 cm (males) and 27.7 cm (females) (Morales-Nin et al. 1996, Tsikliras and Stergiou 2014). The long period of spawning, the few, large, yolk-rich eggs, and the probable demersal spawning are typical characteristics of the species and common to the family Alepocephalidae; they are well suited to the oligotrophic and homeothermic environment of the Mediterranean deep-sea (Follesa et al. 2007). There is little life history information available for this family (Alepocephalidae), but they are regarded as low-fecundity and slow-maturing species (Durán Muñoz et al. 2012).The family of Alepocephalidae predominantly contains benthic-pelagic species, occurring in depths from 6,00 to 5,000 m, and are most numerous below 1,000 m. Species within the family prey on a variety of food items including ctenophores, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). 

threats:
There are no major threats known for this species.  Alepocephalus rostratus was estimated to have an intrinsic vulnerability index (IVI) of 58 based on its maximum body length, maximum population growth rate, and maximum age (yr). All species given an IVI of >60 were considered to have high vulnerability to overfishing (Norse et al. 2012). However, this does not constitute as significant evidence that the species is threatened or will be threatened in the future.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range, although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and potential threats to the species. Alepocephalus rostratus has been listed as a "species for which data must be collected under deepwater fisheries management legislation" by the European Union under Council Regulation 2347/2002.  The European Union consists of fifteen member states (MS): Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Finland and Austria and all must comply with this regulation. Council Regulation 2347/2002 also states that any vessel landing more than 10 t of these deepwater species annually must carry a license, and vessels landing less than 100 kg per trip and less than 10 t per year of these species are exempt from having a deepwater permit (Clarke and Patterson 2005).  This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
Alepocephalus rostratus is currently not of interest for fisheries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) There is very little information on this species. It is speculated to have a circumglobal distribution. There are only two museum records for A. velaris, and they are not complete. It is not likely to be common or abundant. This species is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time.  There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but it may have access to several marine protected areas. With limited population, reproduction and distribution information, Asquamiceps velaris is assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
Asquamiceps velaris is likely to have a circumglobal distribution (Markle and Quéro 1984). However, it is known from only scattered records, including two localities off South Africa, one locality at Bahia Magdalena, Mexico and one at Bikini Atoll, the Marshall Islands (Markle and Sanzanov 1990). In the northeast Atlantic Ocean, A. velaris has been found off the coast of southern Portugal and northwestern Spain.  This species is associated with depths to 3,500 m (Markle and Sanzanov 1990).

population:
The species seems to be very rare in the region. There is no further information on the species' population size or trends.

habitat:
Asquamiceps velaris is a marine, benthopelagic species that occurs to a depth of 3,660 m.  It has a maximum standard length of 18 cm standard length (SL) (Markle and Sazanov 1990). The habitats, biology, ecology and early life history of this species are poorly understood.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Asquamiceps velaris. Its distribution is undefined but likely widespread with many marine protected areas (MPAs) within; however, due to its depth range, it may not be protected by MPAs (Davies et al. 2007).  Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Asquamiceps velaris is of no interest to the fisheries industry.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Bajacalifornia calcarata is a rare but widely distributed deep sea species. There are no known major threats, but very little data are available on its population status, habitats, or ecology. Therefore, B. calcarata is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Bajacalifornia calcarata is widely distributed is tropical to subtropical waters. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is known only from off the southeastern coast of Ireland (Merrett et al. 1991) and the Canary Islands, but may be more broadly distributed than is currently known. It is found from 350 to 3100 m (Markle and Quero 1984).

population:
Population data are limited for this species, though it appears to be widely distributed.

habitat:
Bajacalifornia calcarata is a benthopelagic species found at depths of 350 to 3100 m (Markle and Quero 1984). It is known to at least least 38.0 cm SL (Markle and Quero 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bajacalifornia megalops is circumglobal in tropical to temperate waters and is known from Greenland to the Azores in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is the most wide ranging species in the genus. There are no major threats known and it is not utilized at present time, although there is potential for commercial fishery exploitation in the future. Therefore, B. megalops is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Bajacalifornia megalops is circumglobal in tropical to temperate waters (Markle and Quero 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic it is known from southern Greenland and Iceland to the Azores (Markle and Quero 1984). This species is the most wide ranging species in the genus (Markle and Krefft 1985). Its depth distribution is from 250 to 3,200 m (Markle and Quero 1984, Russian Academy of Sciences 2000).

population:
Bajacalifornia megalops is common in museum collections (Markle and Krefft 1985)

habitat:
Bajacalifornia megalops is commonly found at depths of 800 to 1400 m (Bianchi et al. 1999). Prey items include ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Carter and Hartel 2002). It attains sizes of up to 28 cm standard length (Markle and Quero 1984).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010), although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species.

useAndTrade:
At present, this species is not utilized; however, some species are known to occur in commercial-sized aggregations in the North Atlantic. There may be potential for commercial fishery in the future (Carter and Hartel 2002).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC)Bathylaco nigricans has a circumglobal distribution in warm and temperate waters. The species is not uncommon in northeastern and European waters. It is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, and while the distribution of this species may overlap with many marine protected areas, it may not be protected due to its depth range. However, due to the extreme depth of preference of this species, it may not face any serious threats. Therefore, Bathylaco nigricans is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Bathylaco nigricans is possibly a circumglobal species in temperate and tropical waters. In the eastern Pacific Ocean, it is known from the California Current (Ambrose 1996).  This species may also occur in the western central Pacific Ocean (Sazanov and Markle 1999). In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known from scattered records, primarily from the Azores to Canary Islands (Markle and Quéro 1984). The species can be found at depths from 1,750 to 2,400 m, but has possibly been found at depths down to 4,376 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

population:
The species is not uncommon in the northeastern Atlantic regional waters. From a 0.064 km2 swept area of Porcupine Seablight, the abundance and biomass of Bathylaco nigricans was recorded as 3 fish km-2 and 3.07 kg km-2 respectively, both with a standard deviation of 8 (Cousins et al. 2013). 

habitat:
Bathylaco nigricans is a marine, bathypelagic species that occurs between depths of 450 and 4,370 m, but usually between 1,750 and 2,200 m It attains sizes of up to 39 cm standard length (SL) (Ambrose 1996).  Bathylaco nigricans is a carnivore, with prey items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Carter and Hartel 2002).  This species has an oviparous life cycle and produces pelagic larvae (Ambrose 1996). The species produces large eggs, at 2.7 mm (Markle and Quero 1984).  Spawning, fecundity and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species. The family Alepocephalidae is comprised of deep-sea fishes, with variable habitat from benthic to mid-water, bathydemersal (600 to 5,000 m), with species being most numerous below 1,000 m. 

threats:
There are no major threats known for this species. 

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution may overlap with marine protected areas (MPAs) in parts of its range, although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species.  Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and potential threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
At present, this species is not utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Bathyprion danae is widely distributed in the Atlantic and western and eastern Pacific Oceans. In the northeastern Atlantic, B. danae is known only from the Azores and Madeira. This is a rare species and little information is available about its population status, habitats or ecology. There are no major threats known and this species is not utilized at the present time. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, B. danae is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Bathyprion danae is widely distributed in the Atlantic and western and eastern Pacific Oceans (Parin and Shcherbachev 1973, Moore et al. 2003). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, this species is known from the Azores and Madeira (Carneiro et al. 2014) and there are isolated records at about 55° N (Markle and Quero 1986). It is known from about 1,100 to 3,100 m (Markle and Quero 1984).

habitat:
Bathyprion danae is bathypelagic at about 1,100 to 3,100 m (Markle and Quero 1984); the record from 8,880 m (Parin and Shcherbachev 1973) is the sounding and not the fishing depth, as the gear never reached the bottom. Little species-specific information is available, but alepocephalid species typically feed on a variety of food items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). Bathyprion danae attains a maximum size of up to 38 cm standard length (Markle and Quero 1984).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. Its distribution may overlap with marine reserves in parts of its range, however, it is not known if protection encompasses the depth range of the species.

useAndTrade:
Bathyprion danae is not known to be utilized at present time.


taxonomicNotes:
It is in need of a taxonomic revision (Poulsen et al. 2009).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bathytroctes macrolepis is widespread in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. It may be common in parts of its range (not likely to be abundant) but it is not common in museum collections. There in no available information on the commercial use and/or trade of this species.  It is not known to face any major threats at this time and may be protected by the numerous marine protected areas within its distribution. Therefore, Bathytroctes macrolepis is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Bathytroctes macrolepis is a circumglobal species that occurs throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans (Sazonov 1999). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is found from Ireland to the Azores, and throughout the Mediterranean (Markle and Sazonov 1990). The species can be found at depths of 2,500 to 5,800 m.

population:
Bathytroctes macrolepis is not common or abundant in museum collections (Accessed through the Fishnet 2 Portal  February 2014). In the northeastern Atlantic and surrounding regional waters, B. macrolepis is relatively common. A total of 50 specimens of B. macrolepis were caught from two sub-areas on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008). The abundance and biomass of Bathytroctes macrolepis was recorded from a designated south-east station (SE) on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with 5 fish km-2 (standard deviation = 10) and 0.02 kg km-2 (standard deviation = 0.05) respectively.  The sweep area was 0.035 km2 with a mean depth of 2736 m.  Trawls at the SE station were conducted on 21 and 22 July 2007 and 10 through 11, 18 August 2009 (Cousins et al. 2013).

habitat:
Bathytroctes macrolepis is a marine, bathypelagic species that occurs between depths of 1,800 and 5,850 m, but is most often associated with depths of between 2,800 and 3,300 m.   The maximum standard length (SL) for this species is 40 cm (Markle and Sazonov 1990, Sazonov 1999). The diet, fecundity, spawning patterns and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Bathytroctes macrolepis. Though this species may have access to numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) due to its wide distribution, deep-water marine protected areas are likely to be of limited effectiveness (Bailey et al. 2009). Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Information regarding the use and/or trade of this species is not available.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) This species has only been found from a few localities in the Atlantic Ocean. It is a rare species. This species is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time. No known, species-specific conservation measures are in place for this species.  Though it may have access to many marine protected areas within its wide distribution, the effectiveness of MPAs in deeper waters is questionable.  Therefore, Bathytroctes michaelsarsi is assessed as Data Deficient.

range:
Bathytroctes michaelsarsi occurs throughout the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is found from the western coast of Ireland to Portugal (Markle and Sazanov 1990), including the offshore islands (Bordes et al. 2009, Carneiro et al. 2014). It is found at depths from 2,600 to 4,000 m (Markle and Quero 1984).

population:
Bathytroctes michaelsarsi is a rare species with only a handful present in museum records (Accessed through the Fishnet 2 Portal 2012 June).  Only 5 specimens of Bathytroctes michaelsarsi were collected via bottom trawl from two different sub-areas on the MAR between Azores and Iceland as a part of the 2009 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008).

habitat:
Bathytroctes michaelsarsi ranges from 2,600 to 4,000 m in depth (Sazonov 1999).  Bathytroctes michaelsarsi has been found to have a maximum length of 37 cm standard length (SL). This species feed on a wide variety of food which includes: ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). The, reproduction, spawning, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood. The family Alepocephalidae are comprised of deep sea fishes which occupy depths of 600 to 5,000 m; however, they are found most numerous below 1,000 m (Hartel in press).

threats:
Bathytroctes michaelsars is not commercially utilized at this time. There are no known, species-specific threats posed towards B. michaelsarsi.

conservationAction:
There are not species-specific conservation measures in place for this species.  However, its wide distribution range overlaps with several marine protected areas (MPAs), but it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species. Further research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as potential threats to this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
Bathytroctes michaelsarsi is not known to be utilized at this time.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bathytroctes microlepis is widespread in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. This species is fairly common in parts of its range but not abundant. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species.  Though several marine protected areas overlap with its distribution, they may be ineffective at its depth range. It is of potential interest for commercialization in the future, but is not currently exploited and faces no other known threats. Therefore, Bathytroctes microlepis is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Bathytroctes microlepis occurs throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans (Markle and Quéro 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic, B. microlepis is found from Bay of Biscay to the Azores, Madeira (Bogutskaya 2007) and Canary Islands (Bordes et al. 2009). It can be found at depths ranging from 1,100 m to 4,900 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

population:
Bathytroctes microlepis is well represented in museum collections in parts of its range (Accessed through the Fishnet 2 Portal 2012 June) and is relatively abundant. The abundance and biomass of Bathytroctes microlepis collected from trawl samples at the Porcupine Seabight was recorded as 22 fish km-2 (standard deviation = 37) and 3.24 kg km-2 (standard deviation = 5), respectively over a sweep area of 0.064 km2.  Cruises at the Porcupine Seabight occurred from early June 1979 to late August 2001 (Cousins et al. 2013). A total of 18 specimens of B. microlepis was collected from two sub-areas via bottom trawl on the MAR between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition (Bergstad et al. 2008).

habitat:
Bathytroctes microlepis is a marine, benthopelagic species, inhabiting waters at depths ranging from 1,100 m to 4,900 m (Hartel in press), but it is not usually found deeper than 1,800 m (Markle and Sazanov 1990, Bogutskaya 2007). The maximum length of this species is 32.3 cm standard length (SL) (Hartel in press). This species feeds on a wide variety of food items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echnioderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press).  Bathytroctes microlepis deliver pelagic, buoyant eggs (Breder and Rosen 1966). The spawning, fecundity, ecology and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species. The family Alepocephalidae are known to be benthic to midwater fishes with depths ranging from 600 to 5000 m, however, they are most numerous below 1000 m.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species.  Its distribution may overlap with marine protected areas (MPAs) in parts of its range, although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species.  Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
This species is not known to be utilized, however, there may be potential for commercialization of this species in the future (Carter and Hartel 2002).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Conocara fiolenti is a widely distributed but rare deep-sea species. In the northeastern Atlantic, C. fiolenti is known only from north of the Azores. Little data are available on its population status, habitats, or ecology. There are no known major threats. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, C. fiolenti is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Conocara fiolenti appears to be a cosmopolitan species, with scattered records from all oceans (Markle and Quéro 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic, it is known only from north of the Azores (Markle and Quéro 1984, Carneiro et al. 2014). It is found from 1,370 to 1,900 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

population:
Conocara fiolenti is a rare demersal species.

habitat:
Conocara fiolenti is a deep-sea demersal species found at 1,370 to 1,900 m (Markle and Quéro 1984). It is known to 37 cm, but little else is known about its ecology (Markle and Quéro 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Conocara macropterum is widespread in the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, and although it is rare and uncommon it has been recorded from a number of localities. It is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time.  No known, species-specific conservation measures are in place for this species.  There are numerous marine protected areas that overlap with the distribution of this species, but they may be ineffective at its depth range.  Therefore, Conocara macropterum is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Conocara macropterum is distributed in the temperate and tropical western and eastern Atlantic. It is known in the western Atlantic in the Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, and off of Brazil. In the eastern Atlantic, C. macropterum is found in the Irish Atlantic slope and southern Bay of Biscay to the Azores (Markle and Quéro 1984) and southward to South Africa. Conocara macropterum has a depth range of 800 to 2,200 m, but is usually found at depths from 1,200 to 1,800 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

population:
Conocara macropterum is rare and uncommon. It was recorded in low abundances during deepwater trawl surveys on the continental shelf and the Porcupine Bank from 2006 to 2008; 8 specimens in 2006, 4 specimens in 2007, and 3 specimens in 2008 (Johnston et al. 2010). The abundance and biomass of this species was recorded from the Porcupine Seabight as 1 fish km-2 (standard deviation = 4) and 0.30 kg km-2 (standard deviation = 0.79) respectively from a sweep area of 0.064 km2. Trawl samples were taken in this area from early June 1979 and late August 2001 (Cousins et al. 2013). Conocara macropterum is common in museum collections, with the most numerous of the species recorded being found in the Caribbean (Accessed through Fish net 2 Portal 2012 June).

habitat:
Conocara macropterum is a bathypelagic fish. The standard length in males is 225 mm and in females in 268 mm. The maximum length for females is 368 mm while the maximum length for males is 347 mm.    The smaller species consume mostly polycheates, copepods, and ostracods, and the larger fish feed heavily on decapods, crustaceans, and teleosts (Crabtree R.E. and Sulak K.J. 1986). In the western Atlantic, female C. macropterum attains a larger size than males do. Conocara macropterum was recorded from 1972 through 1981 in the Bahamas (Exuma Sound and adjacent regions) to have an aseasonal reproduction period.  Mature ova were large (6 mm diameter) and fecundity was low with 57 to 490 ova. Abundance patterns suggested high juvenile mortality and rapid growth to full adult size.  The lengths for both sexes given above are the standard lengths at first maturity (Crabtree and Sulak 1986).

threats:
There are no known, species-specific threats at this time.

conservationAction:
At this time there are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range, although it is not known if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Data Deficient (DD) There is very little information available on the population size, trends, habitat, ecology and threats to the species. Research should be conducted in order to determine the status of this species. Because virtually nothing is known about C. microlepis, it is assessed as Data Deficient. 

range:
Conocara microlepis occurs in the eastern Atlantic Ocean off the Irish-Atlantic slope and off the coast of Morocco. It is also known from the Indian Ocean (Markle and Quéro 1984). It is associated with depths of between 1,000 and 2,200 m (Markle and Sanzanov 1990).

population:
There is virtually no information available for the population size and trend of this species.

habitat:
Conocara microlepis is a marine, benthopelagic species that occurs at depths from 1,000 to 2,200 m. The maximum standard length for this species is 27 cm standard length (SL) (Markle and Sazanov 1990). There is virtually no information about the ecology, population size and trends, early life history traits or stages of maturation for this species.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Conocara microlepis. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Conocara microlepis is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).


taxonomicNotes:
 The genus Conocara is in need of a taxonomic revision (Poulsen et al. 2009).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) The species is relatively common throughout its range. It is of no interest to the fisheries industry, and it is not known to face any major threats at this time. There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it may be protected by several marine protected areas within its distribution.  Therefore, Conocara murrayi is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
In the eastern Atlantic, Conocara murrayi is known off of southwestern Ireland, the Bay of Biscay, the Azores, and south to the coast of Western Sahara (Markle and Quéro 1984, Markle and Sazonov 1990, Portiero et al. 2010). This species may occur in the western central Pacific Ocean and is known from one specimen from the southwestern Pacific, off Australia (Sazonov and Markle 1999, Sazonov et al. 2009). The species can be found at depths from 1,200 to 3,000 m (Bogustskaya 2007, Porteiro et al. unpublished data).

population:
Conocara murrayi is relatively common throughout its range. Fourty-one specimens were collected (via bottom trawl) from the southernmost sub-area on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition.  Trawls were deployed at this station from 07 July 2004 to 13 July 2004 (Bergstad et al. 2008). This species was recorded from deepwater trawl surveys on the continental shelf and Porcupine Bank during each September from 2006 through 2008.  No specimens of C. murrayi were caught in 2006, but 23 were caught in 2007 followed by 5 specimens in 2008 (Johnston et al. 2010). Conocara murrayi had an average abundance of 143.33 and represented 4.11% contribution (dissimilarity/SD > 1.5) in trawls sampled at the Porcupine Seabight from 2000 through 2001 (Cousins et al. 2013).

habitat:
Conocara murrayi is a marine, benthopelagic species that occurs between depths of 1,200 and 3,000 m, but it is usually found between 2,000 and 2,600 m (Markle and Quéro 1984, Bogutskaya 2007).  The maximum standard length for this species is 34 cm (Markle and Sazonov 1990). The diet, spawning season, fecundity and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
Conocara murrayi is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).  No major threats are known for this species.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Conocara murrayi.  There are several marine protected areas within its distribution, but the effectiveness of such areas to the depth of this species is questionable (Davies et al. 2007). Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Conocara murrayi is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Data Deficient (DD) This species is known in the eastern Atlantic near southwestern Ireland and southwards to Cape Verde. Conocara salmoneum is considered to be rare throughout its distribution. This species is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time. There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but there are several marine protected areas within its range. There is very little species-specific information available for C. salmoneum regarding its population status,  habitat and ecology. Therefore, Conocara salmoneum is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Conocara salmoneum is known from scattered locations throughout the temperate Atlantic and eastern Pacific (Markle and Quéro 1984). In the eastern Atlantic, C. salmoneum is known from scattered records off southwestern Ireland and near Cape Verde (Markle and Quero 1984). It is also known from the eastern Pacific.  Conocara salmoneum can be found at depths ranging from 2,400 to 5,000 m (Haedrich and Merrett 1988).

population:
Conocara salmoneum is a rare species (Markle and Quero 1984), with only a handful of specimens present in museum collections.

habitat:
Conocara salmoneum is a bathypelagic species found in depths ranging from 2,400 to 5,000 m, usually found near 3,000 m (Haedrich and Merret 1988, Markle and Sazonov 1990). The maximum standard length for this species is 73 cm (Reiner 1996). Species-specific information regarding the dietary aspects of C. salmoneum is very limited. Prey items for the family Alepocephalidea includes ctenophores, echinoderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). Spent females of this species have been found in May with large ovarian eggs (Markle and Quéro 1984) which are buoyant and pelagic (Breeder and Rosen 1966). The fecundity, spawning periodicity, stages of maturation and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no known threats at this time.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures for this species at this time for C. salmoneum; however, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range.  It is unknown if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
At this time this, species is not utilized and is of no interest to commercial fisheries.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Einara edentula is a rare but widely distributed deep sea species. In the northeastern Atlantic, E. edentula is known from scattered records between southern Iceland and the Canary Islands, including the Azores and Madeira. Little is known about its population status or ecology. There are no known major threats. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, E. edentula is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Einara edentula is a known from scattered records in the Atlantic Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is known from the Azores and Madeira (Markle and Quéro 1984, Carneiro et al. 2014), as well as records from the mesopelagic waters between southern Iceland and the Canary Islands. It is mostly known from 700 to 2,000 (Markle and Quéro 1984, Markle and Sazonov 1990).

population:
Einara edentula is a rare species, known only in the assessment region from isolated records near the Azores and Madeira.

habitat:
Einara edentula is  mesopelagic, mostly known from nets fishing at 700 to 2,000 m (Markle and Sazonov 1990). The maximum recorded size is 20.3 cm (Markle and Sazonov 1990).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Einara macrolepis is circumglobal, though it is only known from the Azores and Madeira in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. It is a rare, pelagic deep sea species, and little is known about its population status, habitats, or ecology. At this time this species is not utilized and there are no known threats to E. macrolepis. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, E. macrolepis is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Einara macrolepis is a circumglobal deep sea species (Markle and Quéro 1984), though it is known mostly from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is known only from isolated records around Madeira, Azores (Markle and Quéro 1984, Carneiro et al. 2014, Porteiro et al. in press) and Canary Islands. This species is bathypelagic with a depth range of 1,300 to 2,000 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

habitat:
Einara macrolepis is found pelagically at depths of 1,300 to 2,000 m  (Markle and Quéro 1984).  There is little species-specific information available, but alepocephalid species typically prey on a variety of items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). The maximum recorded size is about 22 cm (Markle and Quéro 1984)

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place, however, this species distribution overlaps with marine reserves in its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010). It is unknown if the marine protected areas cover the depth this species occupies.

useAndTrade:
At present, this species is not known to be utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Herwigia kreffti is widely distributed in the temperate and tropical Atlantic and Pacific, and in the southwest Indian Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic, H. kreffti is known from scattered records around the Azores north to southern Iceland. It is a rare species, and little is known about its population, habitats, or ecology. At present, this species is not utilized and there are no major threats known. However, given that records from the assessment region are isolated and scattered, H. kreffti is listed as Data Deficient

range:
Herwigia kreffti is widely distributed in temperate and tropical Atlantic and Pacific, and in the southwest Indian Ocean (Smith and Heemstra 1995). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, H. kreffti is known only from scattered records around the Azores (Markle and Quéro 1984, Carnerio et al. 2014). Herwigia kreffti occupies depths ranging from 1,000 to 3,200 m (Markle and Sazonov 1990).This species is present in temperate and tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In the eastern Atlantic, from 55ºN to 20ºS (ECA in press). Eastern Atlantic: scattered records from 53°N south to Azores, then from Morocco southward to Namibia. Eastern Pacific: off Hawaii. Indo-West Pacific: including Australia (Paxton et al. 1989) and New Zealand Paulin et al. 1989)). Elsewhere, Indian Ocean

population:
Herwigia kreffti is an uncommon species.

habitat:
Herwigia kreffti is bathypelagic, from about 1,000 to 3,200 m (Markle and Sazanov 1990). Little species-specific data are available, but alepocephalid species typically feed on a variety of prey items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). The maximum recorded size is about 40 cm (Markle and Sazanov 1990).

threats:
There are no major threats known at present time.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps with many marine reserves in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010), although it is unknown if the marine protected areas in place encompass the depth range of this species.

useAndTrade:
At present, this species is not utilized. However, there may be potential for commercial fishery in the future (Carter and Hartel 2002).


redListCategoryRationale:
Leptoderma macrophthalmum is known only from its holotype, which was collected near the Azores. This species is assessed as Data Deficient as there is a lack of information regarding its distribution, population status, and threats.

range:
This species is known only from the holotype collected north of the Azores, from the North Atlantic Ridge area (42o47’N, 29o38’W; Byrkjedal, Poulsen and Galbraith 2011, Carneiro et al. 2014).

habitat:
This is a bathydemersal species, caught at a probable depth of c.2,100 m (Byrkjedal, Poulsen and Galbraith 2011).

useAndTrade:
There is no use and trade information available for this species, and it apparently only known from the type specimen.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Leptoderma macrops is only known from one, possibly two, localities in northeastern Atlantic and surrounding waters. It is rare and population information in the region is unavailable. There are no known threats to the species at this time, but research should be conducted in order to determine the status of this species. It is, therefore, assessed as Data Deficient. 

range:
Leptoderma macrops is found in the temperate and tropical Atlantic Ocean (Markle 1986). In the eastern Atlantic, L. macrops is known from the southern Bay of Biscay, Bilboa to Namibia and in the western Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and off of Brazil (Markle and Quéro 1984). Generally, the species' depth ranges from 500 to 2,000 m (Markle and Sazonov 1990).

population:
Leptoderma macrops is a rare species in northeastern Atlantic waters, with only a small amount being recorded in museum collections and only a handful being from the species' range of distribution. However, it may be common outside of European waters. Leptoderma macrops was recorded with a standardized biomass of 0.317 (g ha-1) and 0.086 (n ha-1) abundance during two surveys conducted in October 2003 and April 2004 off Le Danois Bank (northern Spain).  This species was collected using a baca otter trawl over a 57,461 m2 mean swept area (Sánchez et al. 2008).

habitat:
The species Leptoderma macrops are benthopelagic fishes, generally, occupying depths of 500 to 2,000 m over soft substrate (Hureau and Monod 1979). The maximum standard length for this species is 24 cm (Markle and Sazonov 1990). This family feeds on a wide variety of food items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press ). The spawning periodicity, fecundity and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
At present, there are no known threats towards this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place at this time. However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in its range.  It is unknown if those marine protected areas encompass the depths that the species occupies. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
This species is not known to be utilized at this time.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Mirognathus normani is widespread in the Atlantic and western-south Pacific Oceans, but there is very little information available for this species and it is considered rare. It is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time. No known, species-specific conservation measures are in place for this species, but it may be protected by several marine protected areas within its distribution. Therefore, Mirognathus normani is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Mirognathus normani occurs in the Atlantic and western south Pacific oceans (Hoese et al. 2006). In the northeastern Atlantic, M. normani is found from southwest Iceland to northern Portugal, and in the western Atlantic from Uruguay to Argentina (Markle and Sazonov 1990). There is also a record off of Maine, USA.  The species is generally found at depths from 1,500 to 3,000 m.

population:
The species is very rare and only known from two localities in the northeastern Atlantic and the surrounding regional waters. There is no further information on the species' population size and trends.

habitat:
Mirognathus normani is a marine, benthopelagic species that generally occurs at depths from 1,500 to 3,000 m (Markle and Sazonov 1990).  The maximum standard length for this species is 20 cm standard length SL (Markle and Quéro 1984). The diet, spawning periodicity, fecundity, and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

threats:
No threats are currently known for this species.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Mirognathus normani. Though this species may have access to numerous marine protected areas due to its wide distribution, deep-water marine protected areas are likely to be of limited effectiveness (Bailey et al. 2009). Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Use and/or trade information for this species is not avaiable.


redListCategoryRationale:
European regional assessment: Not Applicable (NA) In Europe, this species occurs in the Azores. This species is assessed as Not Applicable as it has a marginal occurrence in Europe. Its European population is considered to represent less than 1% of the global population.

range:
In Europe, this species occurs in the Azores (Carneiro et al. 2014). Globally, Narcetes erimelas is found in the eastern central Atlantic, at 1°42'N, in the Indian Ocean (Markle and Sazanov 1990) and possibly in the Western Central Pacific (Sazanov and Markle 1999). It is also found around the Galapagos Islands (McCosker and Rosenblatt 2010). It is found north to approximately 29°N in the northeastern Atlantic south to Sao Tome Island and West to off eastern Brazil.  It is associated with depths of between 1,300 and 2,600 m (Markle and Sazanov 1990).

population:
There have not been any quantitative studies on the population size and trends for this species. There are only two known records.

habitat:
Narcetes erimelas is a bathypelagic species. The maximum recorded length for this species is 29.1 cm standard length (SL) (Markle and Sazanov 1990). The biology and ecology of this species is poorly understood therefore further research is needed.

threats:
There are major threats to Narcetes erimelas known at this time as it is a very deep-dwelling species where anthropogenic influences are thought to be at a minimum. However, these deep sea ecosystems are at risk of deteriorating due mainly to dumping of solid wastes, biological harvesting, mineral extraction and climate change (i.e. global and regional deep-sea circulation disruptions and nutrient stratification and isolation in the water column) all of which will significantly affect the biota of the deep seas (Ramirez-Llodra et al. 2011). 

conservationAction:
There are no specific conservation measures in place for this species. Research into population size and trends, ecology and early life history traits, and potential threats is suggested for this species.


taxonomicNotes:
The genus Narcetes, and Rinoctes and Bathytroctes are in need of a taxonomic revision (Poulsen et al. 2009).

redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Narcetes stomias is widespread and is likely to have a circumglobal distribution.  It is common throughout and abundant in some parts of its range.  This species is not known to be commercially utilized or to face any major threats at this time.  No known, species-specific conservation measures are in place for this species, but it may be protected by several marine protected areas within its distribution.  Therefore, Narcetes stomias is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Narcetes stomias is likely to have a circumglobal distribution (Sazonov 1998). In the northeastern Atlantic, it has been identified off the coast of Ireland at the Porcupine Seabight, France, Portugal, the Azores and close to the Canaries off the coast of Morocco (Markle and Quero 1984). The species generally has a depth range from 1,500 to 2,570 m (Markle and Quéro 1984, Markle and Sazonov 1990, Porteiro et al. unpublished data), usually at depths of 1,800 to 2,100 m (Markle and Quéro 1984).

population:
This species is common but not abundant. Narcetes stomias was recorded from bottom trawls at three of four sub-areas on the MAR between Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition, with a total of 47 specimens (Bergstad et al. 2008). It was ranked #9 of the top ten species (by weight) recorded from a single warp trawl at 2,000 m, north of Rockall Trough over a period from March 1975 to November 1978 (Gordon and Duncan 1985). Narcetes stomias was recorded with an abundance of 10 fish km-2 (standard deviation = 20) and a biomass of 9.59 kg km-2 (standard deviation = 19) at the northwestern station at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) during a trawl survey conducted from 28 August 2009 to 30 August 2009.  It was also recorded with an abundance and biomass of 18  fish km-2 (standard deviation = 24) and 20.16 kg km-2 (standard deviation = 27), respectively at the Porcupine Seabight during a trawl survey conducted from 04 June 1979 to 21 August 2001 (Cousins et al. 2013).

habitat:
Narcetes stomias is a marine, benthopelagic species that occurs to depths between 1,500 and 2,300 m, usually found between 1,800 and 2,100 m.  Maximum standard length for this species is 57.5 cm SL or 575 mm male/unsexed (Markle and Sazonov 1990).  This species is found along the continental slope, sometimes benthic (Hoese et al. 2006). The diet, spawning periodicity, fecundity and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Narcetes stomias.  Though this species may have access to numerous marine protected areas due to its wide distribution, deep-water marine protected areas are likely to be of limited effectiveness (Bailey et al. 2009). Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
Narcetes stomias is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Photostylus pycnopterus has a circumglobal distribution. It may be common in some areas but is not likely to be abundant.  This species is of no interest to fisheries and is not known to face any major threats at this time.  There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it may be protected by numerous marine protected areas due to its vast range.  Therefore, Photostylus pycnopterus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Photostylus pycnopterus is circumglobal in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, it is known from scattered records from Iceland, off the coast of the British Isles and south to Madeira and the Azores (Markle and Quero 1984).  The depth of the species generally ranges from 850 to 3,100 m 

population:
The species is not uncommon, although it is more common in southern areas. Only one specimen of Photostylus pycnopterus was caught from four sub-areas distributed along the Mid-Atlantic Ride (MAR) between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition.  This specimen was caught from the southern-most sub-area during a period of trawling from 07 July 2004 and 13 July 2004 (Bergstad et al. 2008).

habitat:
The species Photostylus pycnoterus is bathypelagic occupying depths of 850 to 3,100 m. It is often found in areas with steeply sloping inclines (Markle and Quero 1984). The maximum standard length for this species is 11cm standard length (SL) (Markle and Sazonov 1990). The family Alepocephalidae feeds on a wide variety of food items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polycheates, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in pess). Photostylus pycnopterus is a meso- and benthopelagic species.  This species produces relatively large ovarian eggs (1.8 mm in diameter) and tends to have low fecundity; a 10 cm female reportedly produced 96 eggs (Mundy 2005).

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. However, its distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range, although it is unknown if the marine reserves encompass the species' depth. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species

useAndTrade:
Photostylus pycnopterus is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Rinoctes nasutus is speculated to have a cosmopolitan distribution, but it is mainly known from abyssal basins in the Atlantic Ocean. It is locally frequent but generally uncommon and is not known to face any major threats at this time.  There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it may be protected by marine protected areas throughout its distribution.  Therefore, Rinoctes nasutus is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Rinoctes nasutus is distributed throughout the eastern and western Atlantic. It is thought to also occur in the western central Pacific and has been reported in the Indian Ocean. In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, R. nasutus is known from southwestern Ireland to the Azores (Markle and Quero 1984).  This species is found at the depth range of 1,900 to 4,200 m (Porteiro et al. unpublished data, Markle and Sazonov 1990).

population:
Rinoctes nasutus is not uncommon. Seven specimens of Rinoctes nasutus were collected via abyssal trawl at one of four sampled stations in the eastern North Atlantic (20° to 49°N) from 13 hauls during the period 1987 through 1990 (Merrett 1992). A total of six R. nasutus specimens were collected from two of the four sub-areas sampled via bottom trawl on the MAR between the Azores and Iceland as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition. Trawls were deployed at the two stations (Middle South and South) from 16 July 2004 to 28 July 2004 (Bergstad et al. 2008).

habitat:
Rinoctes nasutus is an abyssal fish, but can be benthopelagic, with a depth range from 1,900 to 4,156 m. This species is usually found below 3,650 m and is locally frequent.  Rinoctes nasutus is somewhat gregarious and feeds on engybenthic crustaceans, worms, and sponges (Markle and Quero 1984).   This species has a standard length of 121 to 181 mm (Merrett, N.R. and Marshall, N.B. 1981). The maximum standard length for Rinoctes nasutus is 19 cm (Markle and Sazonov 1990). The habitat, ecology and reproductive processes of R. nasutus are poorly understood.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for R. nasutus.  However, the species distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010); although, it is unknown if the marine protected areas encompass the species' depth. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Rouleina attrita is circumglobal in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans where it is common and abundant in most areas. Information regarding the use and/or trade of this species indicates that it is not utilized in a commercial capacity, and it is not known to face any major threats at this time. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it may be protected by marine protected areas throughout its distribution. Therefore, Rouleina attrita is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Rouleina attrita is circumglobal and widely distributed in the Atlantic, Indian Ocean submarine ridges, the sub Antarctic, north Pacific, and tropical and western Pacific. In the northeastern Atlantic, it can be found from southern Iceland to the Azores and Canary Islands (Brito et al. 2005).  Rouleina attrita may be found between the depths of 450 and 2,300 m, but depth stratification seem to be contingent upon geographical location. In the Atlantic Ocean, R. attrita is found at depths ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 m (Sazonov and Markle 1990). This species is the deepest dwelling and most widely distributed member of the genus Rouleina (Kenaley and Orr 2006).

population:
Rouleina attrita is an abundant species. It was collected from the Porcupine Seabight via bottom trawl at 1,080 m (date not given) and had a mean relative abundance of 0.19 individuals per 1000 m2 and was ranked six out of twenty for abundance, compared to other species caught using the same gear (Merrett et al. 1991). A total of 254 specimens of R. attrita were collected from three of four sub-areas (majority at Southern) via bottom trawl along the Mid-Atlantic Ride (MAR) as part of the 2004 MAR-ECO expedition.  Samples were taken at the Southern sub-area from 07 July 2004 to 13 July 2004, at the Middle South sub-area from 16 July 2004 to 23 July 2004, and at the Middle North sub-area from 24 July 2004 to 28 July 2004.  Due to its abundance, Rouleina attrita was one of the four indicator species identified for the southern lower slope (Cluster 1) at 1,770 to 2,290 m (Bergstad et al. 2008). Rouleina attrita was recorded during deepwater surveys on the continental shelf and the Porcupine Bank with 2 specimens in 2006, 939 specimens in 2007, and 1,241 specimens in 2008 (Johnston et al. 2010). This species was also identified as one of the four main species (in biomass) out of 44 species surveyed between 1,400 and 1,800 m off Galicia Bank during the summers of 2010 and 2011 (Punzon et al. n.d.).

habitat:
Rouleina attrita are benthopelagic fishes with depths ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 m in the Atlantic Ocean. This species is almost exclusively found on the continental slope (Hoese et al. 2006). The maximum length attained of the male species is 48 cm standard length (SL) (Markle and Sazanov 1990). Maturation for Rouleina attrita (males) has been reported at about 250 to 300 mm SL(Markle 1978 in Kenaley and Orr 2006). The ecology, diet, and many facets of its reproduction processes are poorly understood.

threats:
There are no known threats to this species at this time.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures set in place. However, the species distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010); although, it is unknown if the marine protected areas encompass the species' depth. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species

useAndTrade:
There is no available information regarding the use and/or trade of Rouleina attrita. 


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Data Deficient (DD) Rouleina maderensis is circumglobal, but it is more specifically found off of western Scotland and southwards to Madeira and the Azores, southward to Liberia. In the northeastern Atlantic and the adjacent regional waters, it is considered rare, but population information for this species is not available. It is of no interest to the fisheries industry and is not known to face any major threats at this time. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but it may be protected by marine protected areas  throughout is wide distribution.  Therefore, Rouleina maderensis is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Rouleina maderensis is widely distributed throughout the Atlantic, southern Pacific, the western and southern Indian oceans. It is known in the Indian Ocean off of South Africa and the Mascarene Plateau (Markle and Quero 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic, R. maderensis is known in the eastern Atlantic off of western Scotland, Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands (Brito et al. 2005, Wienerroither et al. 2009, Portiero et al. 2010) and southwards to Liberia (Markle and Quero 1984.  This species is found at depths ranging from 595 to 1,655 m (Markle 1986, Porteiro et al. unpublished data). Southeast Pacific: Chile (Pequeño 1989). Elsewhere, Northwest Atlantic and western tropical Pacific off eastern Australia (Markle and Quero 1984).

population:
Rouleina maderensis is rare species (Niklitschek et al. 2010). Additional population information for this species is not available.

habitat:
Rouleina maderensis have been found on continental slopes in depths ranging from 595 to 1,500 m (Markle 1986). Rouleina maderensis is a benthopelagic, marine species with a maximum standard length of 32 cm (Markle 1986, Markle and Sazonov 1990). This species is mesopelagic at its juvenile stage and benthic at the adult stage (Hureau and Monod 1979).  Species-specific information on the diet of this fish is lacking. However, the family Alepocephalidae feeds on a wide range of food items including ctenophores, crustaceans, echinoderms, polychaetes, decapods, tunicates, and fishes (Hartel in press). At maturation, R. maderensis have a length of 200 to 250 mm standard length (SL) (Markle 1978). The ecology, fecundity, spawning periodicity and early life history of this species are poorly understood.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place at this time for R. maderensis.  However, the species' distribution overlaps with marine reserves in parts of its range (World Database on Protected Areas 2010); although, it is unknown if the marine protected areas encompass the species' depth. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species

useAndTrade:
Rouleina maderensis is of no interest to the fisheries industry (Markle 1984).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: DD Talismania mekistonema is widely distributed in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is a rare species, and little is known about its population, habitats, or ecology. There are no known major threats, and although it may be taken as bycatch in deep-sea trawling operations, this is not likely to be causing any significant population declines. However, since there is only one record in the assessment region, T. mekistonema is listed as Data Deficient.

range:
Talismania mekistonema has been reported from the Atlantic and Indian oceans (Markle and Quero 1984). In the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, this species is known only from a single record near the Azores (Markle and Quero 1984, Carneiro et al. 2014) and from Western Sahara south to Angola. This species is found at depths ranging from 600 to 1,500 m (Markle and Sazonov 1990). Elsewhere, tropical western Atlantic and Indian Ocean off Saya-de-Malha Bank and Broken Ridge. Probably occurring in the Western Central Pacific (Sazonov and Markle 1999).

population:
This species appears to be commonly collected in the western Atlantic (FishNet2 database searched July 2014), however it appears to be rare in the eastern Atlantic.

habitat:
Talismania mekistonema is a benthopelagic species found at depths of 600 to 1,500 m (Markle and Sazonov1990). The maximum recorded length is 26.7 cm standard length.

threats:
This species may be taken as bycatch by deep-sea fisheries operating within its range, but this is unlikely to constitute a major threat.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures in place. It was assessed as Least Concern globally in 2009 due to its wide distribution and lack of any known major threats.

useAndTrade:
At the time, this species is not utilized.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Xenodermichthys copei is widespread in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans where it is common and abundant. It is of no interest to the fisheries industry and does not face any major threats. There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for this species but it may be protected by several marine protected areas within its wide distribution.  Therefore, Xenodermichthys copei is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Xenodermichthys copei is widely distributed throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. In the northeastern Atlantic, X. copei is known from Iceland, off the British Isles, the Bay of Biscay, northwest Spain, Portugal, the Azores and the Canary Islands (Brito et al.2005, Wienerroither et al. 2009, Porteiro et al. 2010). The species has a depth range from 100 to 2,650 m (Markle and Sanzanov 1990).

population:
Xenodermichthys copei is a common species. Xenodermichthys copei was recorded as one of the top ten most abundant species collected via Granton trawls (10 hauls, 4,284 fishes) from the Porcupine Seabight at 750 m, representing 7.8% of total number of fish. It was also recorded as one of the top ten most abundant collected from Porcupine Seabight at 1,000 m using the same gear (10 hauls, 4,331 fishes), representing 3.6% of total number of fish.  During the same study, X. copei represented 0.5% of total number of fish collected from the Porcupine Seabight via semi-balloon otter trawls (12 hauls, 4,930 fishes) at 1,000 m.  The same trawling method was deployed at 3,000 m from the Rockall Trough, in which this species was recorded with 0.2% of total number of fish (1,568 fishes) collected from seven hauls (Gordon et al. 1996). 173 specimens of this species were collected from the Bay of Biscay during research cruises conducted from 2002 through 2008 (Spitz et al. 2010). Xenodermichthys copei was a dominant species (for biomass and abundance) caught via baca trawl during the spring of 2004 from Stratum 1 off Le Danois Bank, characterized by very fine to fine sand at 400 to 700 m (Serrano et al. 2005).

habitat:
Xenodermichthys copei is a benthopelagic fish ranging in depths from 100 to 2,650 m, but is usually found at depths of 100 to 1,230 m. This species is usually found near continental slopes. Maximum total length for Xenodermichthys copei is 31 cm total length (TL) (Bernardes et al. 2005). Xenodermichthys copei feeds primarily on crustaceans (euphausiids, copepods, amphipods, and decapod zoea), but also ostracods, and small cephalopods (Markle and Quero 1984).    There is evidence of demersal spawning for this species, characterized by a spawning migration to the bottom (Markle and Wenner 1979, Badcock and Larcombe 1980) which peak in late summer to early fall (Markle and Quero 1984).  Xenodermichthys copei has low fecundity and large egg size (Crabtree and Sulak 1986). The stages of maturation and early life history traits are poorly understood for this species.

conservationAction:
There are no species-specific conservation measures at this time. However, the distribution of this species may overlap with with marine reserves in parts of its range (WDPA 2010); although, it is unknown if the marine protected areas encompass the species' depth range. Further research should be conducted to determine the population size and trends, habitat and ecology, and threats to the species.

useAndTrade:
At present, this species is not utilized commercially.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Argentina silus is widespread in the western and eastern North Atlantic and into the arctic region where it is common throughout and abundant in some areas.  It is of minor commercial importance to the fisheries industry; in some areas it is considered to be underutilized, but is exploited in others. This species has moderate vulnerability to fisheries based on its life history characteristics, and may be experiencing habitat degradation in some areas.  It is also taken as bycatch (discards) in some fisheries within its distribution. Though it is only of minor commercial importance, interest for this species has increased and is likely to continue in the future. Landings reported to ICES fluctuate, but without long term trends. Therefore, Argentina silus is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Argentina silus is widespread in the western and eastern North Atlantic and into the Arctic region (Page et al. 2013). In the western North Atlantic, A. silus is known from Greenland and the Davis Strait, south to George's Bank, Canada (Cohen 1984) and southward to South Carolina, USA (point data/occurrence records).  In the northeastern Atlantic, A. silus occurs from the eastern Barents Sea to Iceland, Ireland and the North Sea (Cohen 1984, Bergstad et al. 2008). More specifically, it is found from Svalbard to the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland; it is found in the deeper parts of the North Sea and across the Wyville Thomson Ridge to Denmark Strait (Cohen 1984) and southward into the Bay of Biscay (point/occurrence records). Argentina silus is associated with depths ranging from 140 m to 1,440 m; however, it is usually found between 150 and 550 m.

population:
Argentina silus is a widespread and abundant species. It has been reported from 1989 through 1994 along the shelf west of the UK and Ireland to have a population size of 200 to 400 kt.  Higher numbers were estimated from recordings from 1990 to 1992 from mid-Norway (Monstad and Johannessen 2003). A series of deepwater surveys were conducted by the Marine Institute fisheries science services along the northeastern shelf edge from 1992 and 1999.  These survey areas (western continental slope and Porcupine Bank) were revisited during the 2006 FSS deepwater survey in order to investigate the impact of the high levels of exploitation on the abundance and biological parameters of the deepwater species. Argentina silus was the fourth most abundant species (by individual count) collected from 27 trawl tows, with 5582 specimens (Hareide et al. 2006). In ICES fishing areas, landings have increased from about 15,000 mt to over 50,000 mt from 1988—2010 (ICES 2013). Argentina silus is treated as two stocks for management purposes: Division Va (Iceland) and everywhere else. In Iceland, although exploitation may be in excess of the stock productivity, there have been no major changes in the last four to five years in the stock indices, length or age distributions. In all other areas, landings have fluctuated with no real trend, although survey data indicate recent declines (CIES 2013).

habitat:
Habitat and Ecology: Argentina silus is an oceanodromous, demersal species associated with epipelagic and mesopelagic depths that occur between 140 and 1,440 m. It is usually found between 150 and 550 m (Cohen 1984, Riede 2004) and is most often associated with rocky reefs and rocky/muddy outcroppings on near the shelf edge (Kalas et al. 2006).  This species prefers depths between 180 and 260 m, temperatures between 7 and 10 °C, and a mean salinity of 34 ppt (Cohen 1984). Juveniles were found to occur at depths less than 300 m and adults were found at greater depths (Monstad and Johannessen 2003).  Maximum standard length for this species is 70.0 cm or 700 mm standard length male/unsexed an its maximum reported age is 35 years (Muus and Nielsen 1999). Diet: The diet of this species consists of planktonic invertebrates, including euphausiids, amphipods, chaetognaths, squids, ctenophores, and small fishes.   In mid-Norway, this species was found to be more congregated at the continental slope and in the deeper parts of the shelf during the spring, while it was more scattered during the fall.  It probably forms schools close to the bottom (Monstad and Johannessen 2003). Reproduction and Maturity: This species spawns from April to July (Cohen 1984, Scott and Scott 1988). Maturity parameters for A. silus were measured on the Faroe Bank via bottom surveys from 1994 to 1999.  The A50 (age at maturity) for this species was 8.2 years and the m-value (rate at which the population attains maturity) was 0.23.  Given the maturity parameters, L50 (total length at maturity) and M50 (ungutted mass at maturity) were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth equation and their values were 38 cm and 376 g, respectively (Magnussen 2007). Clarke (2005) estimated the fecundity at L50 (size at 50% maturity) for A. silus to be 4,478 and its estimated Age50 (age at 50% maturity) was 4 years.  From these parameters, the potential rate of population increase for this species was estimated to be 2.10. Early Life History: Development of A. silus is slow. Eggs and juveniles are pelagic at depths between 400 and 500 m (Cohen 1964).

threats:
Argentina silus is of commercial interest to the fisheries industry (Bykov 1983). It is sold in markets as fresh or used in fish meal production (Muus and Nielsen 1999). It is considered to be underutilized (Stoknes et al. 2006). On a scale of one to five, five being the least vulnerable, A. silus was ranked with a vulnerability of 3.3 in the mixed species trawl fisheries of the northeast Atlantic ocean based on life history parameters (Gordon 2005). This species is considered to be exploited in a semi-pelagic fishery in the north-eastern Atlantic (Gordon 2003). Argentina silus represented and average of 29.5% of the total discarded bycatch per trip from 46 trips (1375 hauls) taken by German high seas fisheries (Ulleweit et al. 2010). This species is one of the eleven most discarded species in the Galician bottom otter trawl fleet (Antelo et al. 2011).

conservationAction:
Argentina silus is listed in the Norwegian Red List of Marine Fish as Least Concern (Kalas et al. 2006). As the species is mainly caught as bycatch its population should be closely monitored, however it is an abundant and widespread species that is not not thought to be threatened to such an extent qualifies for threat category.Further research should be conducted to determine the population trends for the species, as well as the harvest levels and other potential threats.  It is one of eight species protected under the European Union (EU) deep-water fisheries management legislation - Council Regulation 2340/2002.  This regulation sets the total allowable catch (TAC) and quotas for member states' vessels in certain areas.  In addition, Council Regulation 2347/2002 listed this species as one for which data must be collected and required vessels to obtain a special deepwater permit if they land more than 10 t of the designated deepwater species (Council Regulation 2340/2002) in a calendar year. Vessels that land less than 100 kg per trip and less than 10t a year of these species are exempt from having the permit. Argentina silus was also listed as a species to be considered for management in the NEAFC regulatory area (Clarke and Patterson 2005).

useAndTrade:
Argentina silus is of commercial interest to the fisheries industry (Bykov 1983).  It is sold in markets as fresh or used in fish meal production (Muus and Nielsen 1999). It is considered to be underutilized (Stoknes et al. 2006). Argentina silus is one of the eleven targeted deep-sea fish species in Norwegian waters (Westberg 2005). The estimated landings (t) of A. silus in the ICES sub-areas I through XIV from 1988 to 2001 are listed in Gordon et al. (2003). All areas combined landed around 20,000 metric tonnes in 2001.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Argentina sphyraena has a wide distribution in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, where it is common throughout and abundant in some areas. It is of minor commercial importance to the fisheries industry, but this is not known to pose a major threat at this time. However, this species is vulnerable to over-fishing because of its low population productivity and has been recorded as discarded bycatch at the Porcupine Bank. Fishing effort for this species has been proposed to be minimal until further research is done, but enforcement for this does not currently exist. It has also been collected and cryo-preserved in order to have tissue samples that may be utilized in the future.  It may be protected by several marine protected areas within its distribution. Therefore, Argentina sphyraena is listed as Least Concern.

range:
Argentina sphyraena is restricted to the eastern Atlantic, where it is known from Iceland and Norway south to Western Sahara. It is present in the Norwegian Sea, the North Sea (Skagerrak) the southern Baltic Sea, south of Iceland, Faeroe Islands and the Shetlands Isles. It is found further south off the coast of Ireland, the Bay of Biscay, the Iberian peninsula, Maderia (Shcherbachev 1985), and in much of the western and northern Mediterranean.   In the Mediterranean Sea, this species is widespread; records include the Catalan Sea (Bozzano et al. 2005), Gulf of Lion (Gaertner et al. 1998, Blanchard and Boucher 2001), east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005), Aegean Sea (Papakonstantinou 1988, Tserpes et al. 1999, Bilecenoglu et al. 2002, Kallianiotis et al. 2004), Cretan sea (Kallianiotis et al. 2000), Thracian sea (Lamprakis et al. 2003), Tyrrhenian sea (Colloca et al. 2004, Carpentieri et al. 2005), Strait of Sicily (Gristina et al. 2006), Marmara Sea (Bilecenoglu et al. 2002), and east Mediterranean Sea (Golani et al. 2006).  The species has been found at depths of 50 to 700 m (Mytilineou et al. 2005).

population:
This species is common and very abundant throughout most of its range. Northeastern Atlantic Region (including the Mediterranean and Black Seas) During a cruise in the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas area VIIg (off SE Ireland) from 11 June to 4 July 1980, A. sphyraena was considered a common species (6 to 50 individuals per station) and was present at 25 to 59% of stations sampled.  All species in this study were collected via Gundry prawn trawl fitted with a 70 mm cod end and a 150 mm "lifter" net (Briggs 1982). A survey in the Irish Sea conducted from February to June 1995 found the maximum concentration of A. sphyraena eggs to be 10.5 nos. m-2, taken from 12-21 April.  The minimum concentration of eggs for this species was collected from 5-14 June with 0.1 nos. m-2.  Larvae concentrations of this species were much lower, ranging from 0.2 nos. m-2 (30 March-6 April) to 1.0 nos. m-2 (18-25 April).  Frequency of occurrence (% positive stations) for the eggs ranged from 1.0 during 15-22 March to 6.6 during 12-21 April.  Frequency of occurrence (% positive stations) for the larvae of this species ranged from 0.9 during 30 March-06 April and 18-25 April to 1.1 during 14-20 May (Fox et al.1997).  This species was collected from the north-eastern Aegean Sea during four periods of bottoms trawls:  July 2006, October 2006, March 2006, and June 2007.  Fourteen  hauls between 65 and 100 m depth were carried out during these periods using bottom trawls with 16 mm cod-end mesh size.  The frequency of occurrence for A. sphyraena was 7% and it was collected at 89 m (Keskin et al. 2011).  Mediterranean According to Lamprakis et al. (2003), it was collected in the Thracian Sea during 1996 to 1998 using two commercial trawlers (diamond cod-end mesh size: 14 mm, nominal bar length) at depths ranging from 19 to 365 m. 327 specimens were caught in 1996 and 1997 with total length (TL) ranging from 5 to 15.6 cm and 766 specimens were caught in 1997 through 2008 with TL ranging from 4.8 to 18.2 cm. Mytilineou et al. (2005) mentioned that this species was collected in the north-east Ionian Sea during four experimental surveys (Sept. 1999, Apr. 2000, Jul. 2000, Sept. 2000), by means of trawls of 40 mm stretched mesh size in the cod-end, with density of 760.6 individuals per haul in the depth range of 300 to 500 m (44 hauls) and 2.9 individuals per haul in the depth range of 500 to 700 m (52 hauls). According to Carpentieri et al. (2005), this species was sampled during four seasonal 24h surveys conducted in July 2001, November 2001, March 2002 and May 2002 in the shelf break off the central Tyrrhenian Sea. In each survey, 8 hauls of 30 minutes each were performed every 3 hours throughout the 24h period with an otter trawl mounted into a 40 mm head rope, a 40 mm ground chain and 30-40 mm stretched mesh in the wing and cod-end respectively; 2,026 specimens per hour were caught in July, 1,610 in November, 708 in March and 2,910 in May. Gristina et al. (2006) reported that this species was sampled during two trawl surveys (Autumn 1997 and Autumn 1998) carried out in the Strait of Sicily using an otter trawl with a 28 mm cod-end mesh opening. Mean density values of 5,918±3,457, 20,371±11,672 and 237±166 were reported from the three fishing areas in 1997, while mean density values of 12,076±7,790, 17,2861±8,217 and 187±122 were reported for the same areas in 1998.

habitat:
This demersal species is relatively common on the continental shelf and upper slope; it probably schools near the bottom. In oceanic environments, its depth ranges from 50 to 500 m (Muus and Nielsen 1999) and from 288 to 700 m in the east Ionian Sea (Mytilineou et al. 2005). In the central Tyrrhenian Sea, this species typified a fish assemblage associated with shelf-break areas with Leptometra phalangium (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) (Colloca et al. 2004). Argentina sphyraena has a maximum reported age of 16 years.  Maximum standard length for this species is 35.0 cm or 350 mm male/unsexed (Muus and Nieslsen 1999); common standard length is 20 cm (Cohen 1990). It feeds on benthic polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans and also pelagic invertebrates and fishes (Cohen 1990).  It spawns from winter to spring in the Mediterranean Sea and from March to July off the British coasts. Its eggs and larvae are pelagic (Cohen 1984). They become sexually mature at a length of 12 to 13 cm standard length (SL) (Muus and Nielsen 1999).

threats:
This species has only minor commercial importance. No other major threats are known. Argentina sphyraena was recorded as discarded bycatch collected at the Porcupine Bank (ICES VIIc) otter trawl fleet during 1994, and from 1996 to 1999 with 16% of total annual discards in weight and 21% of total annual discards in individual count (Borges et al. 2005). The population of this species often has low productivity even in populations with high concentrations of individuals.  This makes this species particularly vulnerable to overfishing (Medley 2011).

conservationAction:
The species is listed as Least Concern in the Mediterranean Regional Redlist Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011). It has been recommended that Argentina sphyraena fisheries should keep their effort as low as possible until the fishing response of their populations are better understood. Enforcement for this recommendation does not exhist at this time (Medley 2011).   This species has also been collected and stored in a cryobank facility established at the LIRANS Institute of Research in the Applied Natural Sciences, as part of the University of Bedfordshire.  This cryobank has established procedures for the collection and cryo-preservation of the somatic cells and tissue samples for fish specimens. It has future plans to collect and cryo-preserve spermatozoa and testicular tissue samples.  The collection and cryo-preservation of these samples may allow for cell immortalization and stem-cell generation techniques to be used in the future for threatened species (Rawson et al. 2011). Research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as the harvest levels of this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
This species has only minor commercial importance. Landings for Argentina sphyraena collected from ICES areas II, IV, VI, VII, and VIII were recorded during 46 trips (1,375 hauls) by the small pelagics fishery in Germany from 2002 to 2008.  The average landings (kg) of this species per trip was 2,889.1 with a maximum of 101,500 kg.  Average landings (n) of this species per trip was 5,961.  No individuals of this species were recorded as bycatch (Ulleweit et al. 2010).


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) This species is widespread in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and adjacent regional waters, where it is common throughout and abundant in some areas. Glossanodon leioglossus is known from south Spain to Cape Blanc in Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea but is not found in the Black Sea. It is a demersal species found on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, probably near the bottom. Glossanodon leioglossus has recently become of commercial interest to the fisheries industry and has been confirmed to be a target species of deep-water fisheries in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Though its recent utilization by commercial fisheries does not pose a major threat at this time, this species is very vulnerable to over-fishing due to its low population productivity. This species has also been recorded as discarded bycatch from fisheries in the Balearic and Tyrrhenian Seas. The ICES has recommended that fisheries that land this species should do so with limited effort until further research is conducted, but there is no enforcement for proposal. This species may be protected by the numerous marine protected areas within its distribution. Therefore, Glossandon leioglossus is assessed as Least Concern, but close monitoring of the newly developing commercial fishing industry for this species is needed and more research into the ecology and harvesting of this species is needed.

range:
Glossanodon leioglossus is restricted to the eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it is present from the southern Iberian peninsula south to Mauritania, including the Mediterranean Sea, Madeira, and Canary Islands.  In the Mediterranean Sea, this species is fairly widespread. Records include the Catalan Sea (Bozzano et al. 2005), Balearic islands (Mayol et al. 2000), Tyrrhenian sea (Colloca et al. 2004, Carpentieri et al. 2005), Strait of Sicily (Gristina et al. 2006), Adriatic Sea (Ungaro et al. 1999, Jukic-Peladic et al. 2001), Aegean Sea (Papaconstantinou 1988, Fricke et al. 2007), Turkish Anatolian coast (Fricke et al. 2007) and east Mediterranean Sea (Golani et al. 2006). The species is found at depths ranging from 95 to 450 m.

population:
This species is common and abundant. In the western Mediterranean, G. leioglossus is relatively common at 300, with 10.14 specimens (N) and 0.10 kg, resulting from cluster analysis.  It was also collected at 489 m with 0.58 specimens (N) and 0.01 kg.  Glossanodon leioglossus was also landed in small amounts from these trawl samples.  At 300 m, this species represented 1.91% biomass (1 specimen).  It represented 5.29 % biomass (4 specimens) and 1.18 % biomass (1 specimen) at 489 m and 616 m, respectively (Moranta et al. 2000).  Glossanodon leioglossus was collected during four experimental trawl surveys on the shelf-edge of the central Mediterranean Sea in July and November of 2001, March and May of 2002.  For materials and methods, see Carpentieri et al. (2005) above. In July 498 specimens (n X h-1) of G. leioglossus were collected, and the November survey yielded 412 specimens (n X h-1).  The trawl survey in March yielded 870 specimens (n X h-1), and 836 specimens (n X h-1) were collected in May (Carpentieri et al. 2006). This species was collected during six research surveys (72 bottom trawls) at two locations (Cabrera and Sóller) on Mallorca Island in the Western Mediterranean Sea during August, September, and Decomber 2003 and February, April, and June 2004.  G. leioglossus had the highest abundance and biomass (relative contribution) at Cabrera and Sóller when taken at 138-356 m (Stratum A).  It's abundance (number of individuals) at Cabrera was estimated using cluster analysis to be 40.48, and 55.89 at Sóller.  Biomass (g) was also determined using cluster analysis and was estimated to be 24.47 and 24.97 at Cabrera and Sóller, respectively.  This species was not caught from Stratum B at 581-753 m (Moranta et al. 2008). According to Ungaro et al. (1999), this species was sampled from trawl surveys carried out in the south Adriatic Sea, during summer 1996 and 1997. There were 112 stations (1 haul/60 square nautical miles) with 72 hauls in the Italian area and 40 hauls in the Albanian area each year, using an otter trawl net (length 40 m, wing spread 8 m) with a 10 mm mesh size at the cod-end. Two specimens were caught in the Albanian area at depths of 101-200 m and 201-500 m respectively, and one specimen was caught in the Italian area at the 201-500 m depth range. Carpentieri et al. (2005) reported that this species was sampled during four seasonal 24h surveys conducted in July 2001, November 2001, March 2002 and May 2002 in the shelf break off the central Tyrrhenian Sea. In each survey, 8 hauls of 30 minutes each were performed every 3 hours throughout the 24h period with an otter trawl mounted into a 40 mm head rope, a 40 mm ground chain and 30-40 mm stretched mesh in the wing and cod-end, respectively. 288 specimens per hour were caught in July, 412 in November, 870 in March and 836 in May. Gristina et al. (2006) mentioned that this species was sampled during two trawl surveys (Autumn 1997 and Autumn 1998) carried out in the Strait of Sicily using an otter trawl with a 28mm cod-end mesh opening. Mean densities of 3,113±1,297 and 1,515±833 were recorded from the south fishing area in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

habitat:
Glossanodon leioglossus is a demersal species, found on the outer continental shelf and upper slope, probably near the bottom. In the central Tyrrhenian Sea, this species typifies a fish assemblage associated with shelf-break areas with Leptometra phalangium (Echinodermata: Crinoidea) (Colloca et al. 2004). The maximum total length for Glossanodon leioglossus is 20 cm; common total length is 10.0 cm or 100 mm male/unsexed (Bauchot 1987). Glossanodon leioglossus feeds on pelagic crustaceans.  During four experimental trawl surveys conducted in July 2001, October 2001, March 2002, and May 2002 on the shelf-edge of the central Mediterranean Sea, this species showed a correlation between abundance (CPUE) and night hauls. The most intensive feeding period for G. leioglossus was observed to be from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This species displayed nocturnal shoaling behavior and individual feeding migrations during the day. It spawns from winter to spring in the Mediterranean Sea (Cohen 1984). A peak of mature individuals (around 90%) of this species occurred in March, as did higher levels of daily consumption (Carpentieri et al. 2006). There is very limited data concerning the fecundity, stages of maturation and early life history traits for G. leioglossus.

threats:
This species has just recently become of commercial interest. Glossanodon leioglossus is caught by deep-water fisheries in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.  The population of this species often has low productivity even in populations with high concentrations of individuals.  This makes this species particularly vulnerable to overfishing (Medley 2011). This species has been recorded as discarded bycatch off the west Coast of Mallorca Island (eastern-central coast of Spain) from trawl samples taken between October 1996 and December 1997.  Glossanodon leioglossus represented a small amount (<0.1 kg/h) of bycatch in the Norway lobster fishing grounds at Porto Santo Stefano during the period of 1995 through 1999.  It was not considered a commercial species in this area at that time (Sartor et al. 2003). It has only recently been regarded as a commercially viable population.

conservationAction:
It has been recommended that Glossanodon leioglossus fisheries should keep their effort as low as possible until the fishing response of their populations are better understood. Enforcement for this recommendation does not exist at this time (Medley 2011).  Research into the ecology and harvesting of this species is needed. This species was assessed as Least Concern in the 2007 Mediterranean Assessment (Abdul Malak et al. 2011, IUCN 2011).

useAndTrade:
This species was of no commercial interest until recently. Glossanodon leioglossus is caught by deepwater fisheries in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.  The population of this species often has low productivity even in populations with high concentrations of individuals.  This makes this species particularly vulnerable to overfishing (Medley 2011). This species has been recorded as discarded bycatch off the west Coast of Mallorca (eastern-central coast of Spain) from trawl samples taken between October 1996 and December 1997.  Glossanodon leioglossus represented a small amount (<0.1 kg/h) of bycatch from the Norway lobster fishing grounds at Porto Santo Stefano during the period of 1995 through 1999.  It was not considered a commercial species in this area at that time (Sartor et al. 2003). It has only recently been regarded as a commercially viable population.

redListContributors:
Keskin, Ç., Palmeri, A., Papakonstantinou, C., Molinari, A. & Stump, E.


redListCategoryRationale:
European Regional Assessment: Least Concern (LC) Bathylagichthys greyae is widespread in the Atlantic Ocean and is known from parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.  It is common throughout its range and abundant in some areas.  There is no information available regarding the biology, ecology, reproduction and the use and/or trade of this species. At this time, it is not known to face any major threats.  There are no species-specific conservation measures in place for this species, but there are several marine protected areas within its distribution. Therefore, Bathylagichthys greyae is assessed as Least Concern.

range:
Bathylagichthysgreyae is found in the eastern and western Atlantic, as well as the southwest Pacific Ocean. From the western Atlantic, Bathylagichthys greyae is found south of the Flemish Cape towards to the coasts of Bermuda. It is found off of Chile in the western Pacific. It is also found in the south west Pacific from New Zealand (Paulin et al. 1989). Bathylagichthys greyae is found in the northeastern Atlantic off the coast of northern Scotland southwards towards the Azores and the Canary Islands. It also occurs further south towards Cape Verde (Cohen 1990).  The species has been recorded at depths from 25 to 1,000 m, although possibly it can be found down to 4,600 m.

population:
Bathylagichthys greyae seems to be fairly common in the northeast Atlantic (including the Mediterranean and Black Seas).  Bathylagichthys greyae was recorded as a dominant species in the 0 to 750 m pelagic fish assemblage from the Azorean Zone over the north Mid-Atlantic Ridge during Leg 1 (5 June through 3 July) of the 2004 R/V G.O. Sars MAR-ECO expedition. It represented 15 ind.10-1 m-3 and 1.1 % of the total in abundance, as well as 69.1 g ww 10-6 m-3 and 2.8 % of the total in biomass (Sutton et al. 2008).

habitat:
Bathylagichthys greyae is a marine, meso- and bathypelagic species that occurs between depths of 25 to 1,000 m (Kobylyanskiy 1985).  This species is usually caught in small aggregations, ~ 600 to 900 m during the day and a much broader range (25 to 500 m) at night. Maximum standard length for this species is 16 cm standard length (SL) (Cohen 1990). It feeds on plankton (Cohen 1984).   The spawning, fecundity, and early life history traits of this species are poorly understood.

conservationAction:
There are no known, species-specific conservation measures in place for Bathylagichthys greyae.  Though this species may have access to numerous marine protected areas (MPAs) due to its wide distribution, deep-water marine protected areas are likely to be of limited effectiveness (Bailey et al. 2009). Research into the population size and trends, ecology and early life history, as well as possible threats towards this species is needed.

useAndTrade:
Information regarding the use and/or trade of Bathylagichthys greyae is not available.


