Javelin Whiptail, Coelorinchus gaesorhynchus Iwamoto & Williams 1999

Southeastern Indian Ocean, endemic to Western Australian waters; demersal on the continental slope to 290 m.

D II, 9; P 14-15; V 7; GR (inner) 8; BR 6; PC
Snout about half the length of head, anterolateral margins incompletely supported by bone; mouth relatively small, jae teeth small, in moderately-wide tapered bands; upper jaw short, extending to below posterior one-third of orbit; chin barbel short, fine. Gill openings relatively wide, extending forward ventrally almost to hind end of orbits, membranes narrowly attached to isthmus. Underside of head naked (except scales overlapping onto anteroventral snout surface), including nasal fossa. Body scales thin, with short spinules in somewhat quincunx pattern. Light organ present, extending from isthmus to anus.

A small species reaching a total length of 25 cm.

No bold body markings in adults; first dorsal fin, anal and pectoral fins dusky; dorsal fin base with blackish edges, medial surfaces of pectoral fin bases black; pelvic fins densely covered with large melanophores; median nasal process blackish, mouth pale with blackish lips and premaxillary process.

Unknown.

Of no commercial interest.

Not assessed.

Coelorinchus gaesorhynchus Iwamoto & Williams 1999, Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 51(3): 136, fig.10, north-west of North West Cape, Western Australia, 290 m.

Bray, D.J. & G. Frankham