| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| Max. size: |
57.5 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1772 - 3677 m |
| Distribution: |
Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 121-139; Anal soft rays: 91-102; Vertebrae: 71-78. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: dorsal-fin rays 121-139; anal-fin rays 91-102; total vertebrae 71-78; otolith ostium depth 30-40% of sulcus length (Ref. 80689). |
| Biology: |
One specimen from the eastern Pacific was examined and radiographs showed the following stomach contents: detritus, gastropods, crustaceans, ophiurids, remains of polychaetes, foraminifera, sediment, and bivalves. From individuals with filled stomachs), detritus was found to be 88%, followed by gastropods (52%), crustaceans (44%), and ophiurids (36%). Observed ontogenetic trend in the consumption of gastropods with 18.2% in specimens less than 45 cm SL (n=11) and 78.6% in specimens greater than 45 cm SL (n=14, Fisher’s Exact Test, P<0.005); all gastropod shells were intact (Ref. 80689). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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