Greenland argentine

The Greenland argentine (Nansenia groenlandica) or large-eyed argentine is a species of pencil smelt fish.^[3][4]

Greenland argentine
Greenland argentine pictured next to a ballpoint pen for scale
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Argentiniformes
Family:	Microstomatidae
Genus:	Nansenia
Species:	N. groenlandica
Binomial name
Nansenia groenlandica (J.T. Reinhardt, 1840)
Synonyms[2]
Microstomus groenlandicus Reinhardt, 1840

Description

It maximum length is 24.5 cm (9.6 in). It has 9–10 dorsal soft rays and 8–10 anal soft rays.^[5] The ventral fins are inserted ahead of the dorsal fin, which is inserted in front of the midpoint of the body. It has 42–45 vertebrae and adults are silvery in colour, hence the name "argentine." The stomachs and peritoneum are coated with a dark pigment. It has 3 branchiostegal rays (bony rays supporting the gill membranes behind the lower jaw) and 7 or 8 pyloric caecae. It is also noted for its very large eyes.^[5][6]

Habitat

The Greenland argentine lives in the North Atlantic Ocean.^[2][7][8]

Behaviour

The Greenland argentine spawns mainly in spring and early summer.^[2]