Devil Fish

Larger than M. hypostoma, tail with spine and prickles (Ref. 6902).

Exhibit ovoviparity (aplacental viviparity), with embryos feeding initially on yolk, then receiving additional nourishment from the mother by indirect absorption of uterine fluid enriched with mucus, fat or protein through specialised structures (Ref. 6679, 50449).

Oceanodromous. Migrating within oceans typically between spawning and different feeding areas, as tunas do. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.

An epipelagic species (Ref. 6808) found over continental shelves and near oceanic islands. Feeds on small pelagic fishes and crustaceans.

An epipelagic species (Ref. 6808) found over continental shelves and near oceanic islands (Ref. 6679). Feeds on small pelagic fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 6679), by funnelling using their cephalic fins and then trapping or filtering the food through their specialised gill plates (Ref. 115943). Ovoviviparous (Ref. 50449). Bycatch mortalities have been reported from Mediterranean fisheries - large-scale driftnets, purse seines and trawls, bottom set nets, trammel nets, longlines and even fixed traps for tuna. It is utilized for its meat as protein source (except the head) and gill plates as ingredient in Chinese medicine (Ref. 115943)