| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| Max. size: |
17.4 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 275 - 950 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Caroline Islands to New Caledonia and a few neighboring islands. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 100-105; Anal soft rays: 85-91; Vertebrae: 59-62. Two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 11-13 long rakers on anterior gill arch, 3-4 pseudobranchial filaments, dorsal fin with 4-5 more or less distinct dark blotches continuing into dark, vertical bars on body, posterior part of dorsal and anal fin and caudal fin dark. |
| Biology: |
Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Feed on gastropods (Ref. 31524). 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: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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