37 
Alepocephalus microlepis Lloyd 
Alepocephalus microlepis LLOYD, Mem. Indian Mas., vol.2, 1903, No.3, p.146, 
pi.44, fig.4. Arabian Sea, 600 to 850 fathoms. 
Depth 4 (adult) to 6 (young)j head 3 2/5 to 3 4/5, width 2 l/lO to 
2 4/5. Snout 2 3/4 to 2 4/5 in head; 8 marginal rounded horizontal keels 
form series around front edge of snout; orbit 3 l/2 to 3 3/5; eye 5 l/8 
to 6 l/2, 1 l/2 to 1 4/5 in snout, 1 l/3 to 2 in interorbital; mandible 
included in upper jaw; maxillary reaches 7/8 or to front eye edge, expansion 
2 to 2 l/4 in eye, length 2 7/8 to 3 in head; interorbital 4 to 4 l/3, with 
ridge each side and broad deep groove on concavity to occiput where expanding 
or widening. Gill rakers 1 4> 12, lanceolate, equal gill filaments or 2 in 
eye. 
Scales 85 to 95 along and close above lateral line to caudal base; tubes 
50 in lateral line to caudal base; 
/15 scales above, 15 below, 59 or 60 predorsal forward to occiput. Dorsal, 
anal and caudal bases scaly. Seales caducous, most all fallen* Scales 
with rather long, narrow, median basal notch; circuli very fine, close set, b 
chiefly marginal. 
D. 24, I, origin nearer caudal base than gill opening; A. 31, to 35, 
I, origin midway between hind preopercle edge and caudal base; caudal 
(damaged) small, forked, rudimentary rays 14 or 15 above or below and extend 
well forward; least depth of caudal peduncle 42/5 to 5 l/4 in head; 
pectoral 2 3/4 (?); ventral (damaged) inserted nearly midway between snout 
tip and caudal base or little nearer caudal. 
Head black. Iris neutral black, pupil ivory white. Body brown, scale 
pockets dusky or blackish brown, finely reticulated in appearance. Fins 
