Tauredophidium hextii

photo by FAO

Family:	Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:	10.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1500 - 2660 m
Distribution:	Indo-West Pacific: off East Africa to New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:	Dorsal soft rays (total): 72-75; Anal soft rays: 64-65; Vertebrae: 55-57
Biology:	Rare species (Ref. 34024). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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