Tentoriceps


Tentoriceps is a monotypic genus of cutlassfish, family Trichiuridae, from the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The sole species is Tentoriceps cristatus. Its common name is crested hairtail.

Distribution

Tentoriceps cristatus has Indo-West Pacific distribution: it is found in the Indian Ocean and in the Western Pacific Ocean, between the Tasman Sea and southern Japan. It is a benthopelagic to pelagic species that occurs in coastal waters deep, but avoids areas of low salinity.

Description

Typical for cutlassfishes, Tentoriceps cristatus has extremely elongate and strongly compressed, ribbon-like body, tapering to a point. The dorsal profile of head is evenly convex. It grows to a maximum length of about TL, but common length is TL.

Fisheries

Tentoriceps cristatus is a minor commercial species caught mainly mixed with other cutlassfish in southeast Asian countries.