Shortfin spiny eel explained

The shortfin spiny eel (Notacanthus bonaparte), also called Bonaparte's spiny eel, is a member of the family Notacanthidae, the deep-sea spiny eels, which are not true eels (Anguilliformes).^{[1] [2]}

Distribution

The shortfin spiny eel lives in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea;^[3] it has been found in the Adriatic Sea.^[4] It lives in the bathypelagic zone at depths of .^[5]

Description

Notacanthus bonaparte is grey or pink in colour and has a maximum length of . It has a short snout, long head, mouth on the underside. Its dorsal fin has up to nine spines, while the anal fin is long and has up to fourteen spines.^[6] Males are smaller and have enlarged nasal rosettes.^[5]

Behaviour

The shortfin spiny eel feeds on bryozoans, ophiuroids, amphipods and sponges.^[5]

Life cycle

The shortfin spiny eel spawns in June and July in the Mediterranean.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Israel Journal of Zoology. June 27, 2001. Weizmann Science Press of Israel.. Google Books.
2. Web site: Fishes of the Western North Atlantic. June 27, 1948. Sears Foundation for Marine Research, Yale Univ.. Google Books.
3. Book: The Mediterranean Sea: Its history and present challenges. Stefano. Goffredo. Zvy. Dubinsky. September 9, 2013. Springer Science & Business Media. 9789400767041. Google Books.
4. Web site: Shortfin spiny eel (Notacanthus bonaparte) | adriaticnature. adriaticnature.com.
5. Web site: Notacanthus bonaparte, Shortfin spiny eel. www.fishbase.se.
6. Web site: MarLIN - The Marine Life Information Network - Shortfin spiny eel (Notacanthus bonaparte). www.marlin.ac.uk.
7. Web site: WoRMS - World Register of Marine Species - Notacanthus bonaparte Risso, 1840. www.marinespecies.org.