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Crossthroat sawpalate (Serrivomer jesperseni) — Serrivomeridae

Crossthroat sawpalate

Serrivomer jesperseni
LC · Least Concern

The Crossthroat sawpalate (Serrivomer jesperseni) is a saltwater fish of the family Serrivomeridae that grows up to 67 cm.

Length
67 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–825.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Open ocean; bathypelagic zone of the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent waters.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sawtooth eel is a deep-sea eel of the family Serrivomeridae living in the bathypelagic zone of the open ocean. The species has a strongly elongate, snake-like body reaching about 67 cm, with a long, forward-tapering head and jaws full of small, inward-pointing teeth. The dark body is nearly translucent and colourless toward the ends. The fish hunts small fishes and crustaceans in the darkness. Owing to its life at great depth the species is only rarely observed and is of no fishing interest.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Crossthroat sawpalate?

The Crossthroat sawpalate has a snake-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Snake-like body with long, pointed jaws full of small teeth; almost transparent deep-sea eel.

Where does the Crossthroat sawpalate live?

The Crossthroat sawpalate lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Open ocean; bathypelagic zone of the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent waters.

How big does the Crossthroat sawpalate get?

The Crossthroat sawpalate grows to a maximum of about 67 cm.

Is the Crossthroat sawpalate dangerous to humans?

No, the Crossthroat sawpalate is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Crossthroat sawpalate edible?

The Crossthroat sawpalate is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Crossthroat sawpalate verified
Scientific name
Serrivomer jesperseni
Family
Serrivomeridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
67.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Max depth (m)
825.0 verified
Natural range
Open ocean; bathypelagic zone of the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent waters. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small fishes and crustaceans sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Snake-like body with long, pointed jaws full of small teeth; almost transparent deep-sea eel. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Serrivomer

More from the family Serrivomeridae

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