The correct identification of two trachichthyid fishes (Pisces, Berycomorphi) from the slope fauna west of Britain, with notes on the abundance and commercial importance of Hoplostethus atlanticus

Summary

Correction is made to the published identification of Gephyroberyx darwini from the slope waters west of Britain. Convincing evidence from a variety of sources establishes Hoplostethus atlanticus as the species in question. The salient features of both species are summarized in order to offset any further confusion.

Attention is drawn to the relative abundance of H. atlanticus to the west of Britain and to its commercial exploitation in the Southern Hemisphere off New Zealand. Evidently its value is not only in fillets, since wax esters and oils derived from the whole carcase are suitable substitutes for sperm whale or jojoba oil.