A specimen of Gempylus serpens, which this report is based on, was caught by longline from the R. V. Matha Hari approximately 30 miles east of Lhaviyani Atoll on February 10th, 1988.
Details
§ 01
size
Max. 1 m (standard length)
color
Uniformily dark grey brown with light metallic reflections. Sometimes a few small back spots on pectoral fin base. Fins dark brown with darker margins.
This oceanic species can be found at depths of 200 meters or more, and is often seen near the surface at night, drawn in by night lights. It feeds on a wide range of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
distinctive characters
This species is oceanic, meaning it is found in the open ocean rather than in coastal waters. It occurs at depths of at least 200 meters or more and is often found near the surface at night, attracted by night lights. It feeds on a wide variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods, which are animals with tentacles and a hard, external shell.