Melamphaes macrocephalus Parr 1931

The species is characterized by the following: large head (more than 40% of SL, specimens of SL ? 100.0 mm); first gill arch with 20-22 rakers; total vertebrae 26-28, 11 abdominal; haemal arch of the first caudal vertebra is without a spur; D III,13-16; P14-15; ventral fin with 7 soft rays; ventral fin starts before the vertical line of the posterior margin of the pectoral fin basement; anal fin starts under the vertical line of the 3-4 ray of the dorsal fin (posterior end); operculum with 4 scales (Ref. 87970).

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 16; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 27 - 28

Adults caught below 400-500 meters; juveniles in shallower water (Ref. 51657). Specimens were sampled by open-mouth nets at depth range of 1500-0 m; the minimal sampling depth was 62 m (individuals with SL = 12.7-13.3 mm) (Ref. 87970).