Melanocetus niger Regan 1925

Distinguishing characteristics of metamorphosed female: nearly straight anterior margin of vomer; least outside width between frontals 14.3-24.3% SL; upper jaw with 51-87 teeth, lower jaw with 37-57 teeth; vomerine teeth 0-4; length of longest tooth in lower jaw 6.9-10.5% SL; width of pectoral fin lobe 9.1-13.5% SL; width of escal bulb 3.8-5.0% SL; illicium length 29.8-38.8% SL; esca without crest; relatively thick integument (Ref. 86949)

Dorsal soft rays (total): 14 - 15; Analsoft rays: 4

Specimens captured by open nets fished at maximum depths of 1200-2000m (Ref. 86949).