Family: |
Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula) |
Max. size: |
19.7 cm SL (male/unsexed); 16.2 cm SL (female) |
Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 15 m |
Distribution: |
Eastern Indian Ocean: Western Australia. |
Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 161-191; Anal soft rays: 109-124; Vertebrae: 79-87. The species is distinguished in having a very elongate, almost eel-like body; vertebrae 22-25 + 57-65 = 79-87, dorsal fin rays 161-191, anal fin rays 109-124, D/A 58-75, V/A 27-28; no scales; no supraorbital pore behind eye; lower preopercular pores 2; posterior infraorbital pores 3; broad angle on ventral maxilla positioned behind rear of eye; exposed opercular spine small, short, straight; lower lip with prominent skin folds; single pair of pseudoclaspers curved outwards, with narrow base and pointed tip, with broadly expanded fleshy flaps anteriorly and posteriorly; penis small, less than half the length of pseudoclaspers, with hook at tip; otoliths
pointed anteriorly, rounded posteriorly, predorsal angle more pronounced than postdorsal angle (Ref. 57886). |
Biology: |
Uncommon species inhabiting shallow reefs (Ref. 34024). A benthic species (Ref. 75154). |
IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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