The shortfin spiny eel (Notacanthus bonaparte), also called Bonaparte's spiny eel, is a member of the family Notacanthidae, the deep-sea spiny eels, which are not true eels (Anguilliformes).[3][4]
The shortfin spiny eel lives in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea;[5] it has been found in the Adriatic Sea.[6] It lives in the bathypelagic zone at depths of 487–2,000 m (1,598–6,562 ft).[7]
Notacanthus bonaparte is grey or pink in colour and has a maximum length of 26 cm (10 in). It has a short snout, long head, mouth on the underside. Its dorsal fin has up to nine spines, while the anal fin is long and has up to fourteen spines.[8] Males are smaller and have enlarged nasal rosettes.[7]
The shortfin spiny eel feeds on bryozoans, ophiuroids, amphipods and sponges.[7]
The shortfin spiny eel spawns in June and July in the Mediterranean.[9]
The shortfin spiny eel (Notacanthus bonaparte), also called Bonaparte's spiny eel, is a member of the family Notacanthidae, the deep-sea spiny eels, which are not true eels (Anguilliformes).