Dipulus caecus Waite, 1905
Orange eelpout
photo by Møller, P.R.

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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