| Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| 59.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
|
benthopelagic; marine; depth range - 4275 m |
| Southern Ocean: known from two localities off the Crozet Islands (Ref. 75736). |
|
Dorsal soft rays (total): 119-123; Anal soft rays: 94-96; Vertebrae: 65-66. Species distinguished by the following characters: elongated body (depth at origin of anal fin 9.0-10.5% SL and at origin of dorsal fin 13.0% SL); D 119-123; A 94-96; pectoral 28; vertebrae 15+50-51; anterior anal fin ray below dorsal fin ray number 28-31; no teeth on vomer and on basibranchial plates; long rakers on anterior gill arch 9-11 (ref. 75736)
Description: Head and body robust with long, elongate, tapering caudal part. All scales rubbed off but scale-pockets show scales on head and body, with body-scales considerably larger than head-scales. Vertical fins joined. Dorsal fin origin above operculum, anal fin origin well in front of midpoint of fish, pectoral fins inserted on midline and the short pelvic fins below operculum. Head short, less than 20% SL. Upper jaw large, more than half head-length, protruding over tip of lower jaw. Posterior end of maxillary slightly sheathed. Eye very small, about 1% SL , placed above midpoint of upper jaw. Nostrils large, the anterior placed midway between upper lip and posterior nostril. Posterior margin of opercle with 15-20 short, soft, bony projections that extend to the middle of the opercle as low, but distinct ridges perpendicular to the edge. Anterior gill arch with four short rakers (Ref. 75736). |
| An oviparous species caught at abyssal depths with remains of crustaceans in stomach and intestine. Presumably benthic or benthopelagic (Ref. 75736). |
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Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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