Uyeno (1972) reported nine specimens collected at Miho Beach in Suruga Bay in April and 



May, 1971 (the first records from the northwestern Pacific). 



Discussion 



Possibly two subspecies, or species, may be involved in this wide distribution. Whitley 

 (1933) named E. rissoi salubris from near New Zealand. Bolin (personal communication) 

 expressed the opinion that the northeastern Pacific form represents a new species. Two few 

 specimens were available to me to provide data on variation. Unfortunately, E. risso is not 

 taken in numbers and usually suffers considerable damage during capture; thus, the species is 

 still poorly understood. 



Metelectrona 



Wisner, 1963 



PLO and PVO photophores as in genus Electrona. PO-, and VO,, elevated by two or more 

 diameters above adjacent ones. One or more AO photophores distinctly elevated as Pol, the 

 elevation varying from slight to marked; the first or second Pol is randomly higher than the 

 other. Prcj elevated its diameter or more above level of Prci. 



Metelectrona ventralis 



(Becker, 1963) 



^ 



^ 



Fig. 21— Metelectrona ventralis. 26.2 mm. From Becker (1963a, p. 26, fig. 5l. 



Description 



D. 13 (12-14); A. 19-20; P. 15-16; AOa 8 (9-10) + 4 (3-5), total 13-14 (12-15); gill rakers 5-6 

 + 1 + 16 (15-17), total 22-23; vertebrae 37 (36-38). 



VLO about midway between lateral line and pelvic origin. The elevated VO-j is about its 

 diameternearer V0| than to VO.,. SAO series in abroad angle of about 135°-145°. SAO, over 

 VO3.4 interspace or a little nearer VO4; SAO- well behind anal origin, and SAO,; about over 

 AOa-j; a line through SAO^.;) passes well behind VO4. Origin of anal base under beginning of 

 last third of dorsal base. AOai.^ interspace about a photophore diameter greater than between 

 the others. Elevation of Pol variable; 1 or 2 may be elevated and either higher than the other 

 (Bussing, 1965). Palatine fangs large, 3 to 5 in number and preceded by 5 or 6 small teeth. 



A small, roughly square luminous gland on both surfaces of caudal peduncle near the 

 anterior procurrent caudal rays (Fig. 22). Sexual differences, or development of these glands 

 with age offish, are not known. 



Size: To about 70 mm. 



Least depth of capture: To 860 m. 



31 



