Raneya brasiliensis (Kaup, 1856)
Banded cusk eel
Raneya brasiliensis
photo by Carvalho Filho, A.

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  31 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 36.0 g
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 40 - 150 m
Distribution:  Southwest Atlantic: near Ilha Rasa, southern Brazil to Puerto Quequén, northern Argentina.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 111-135; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 93-105; Vertebrae: 62-66. Scales on body in regular but non-overlapping rows, some anguilloid, becoming anguilloid in pattern on belly and flanks in front of anus, top of head from interorbit to nape and sides of head with non-imbricate scales, snout, subocular area and chin and throat naked; ethmoid spine short but strong; gill chamber dark; esophagus dark and intestines and stomach pale; no pyloric caeca; males with posterior opening on swim bladder (Ref. 34024). About 10 broad dark brown bands on body. Dorsal, anal and caudal fin margins blackish. Caudal fin small, posterior margin rounded. Pelvic fins comprising two filamentous rays (Ref. 27363).
Biology:  Uncommon species found in coastal waters (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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