| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae |
| Max. size: |
120 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 60 m |
| Distribution: |
Southwest Pacific: southern Australia and New Zealand. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 144-157; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 107-117. Head and body grey or whitish with large irregular dark blotches; large adults darker, almost black (Ref. 34024). |
| Biology: |
Uncommon and benthic species in rocky habitat (Ref. 34024). Restricted to estuaries, shallow bays and coastal reefs (Ref. 33847). Found on the continental shelf and slope (Ref. 75154). Juveniles are found in seagrass beds in estuaries while adults inhabit caves and rocky recesses (Ref. 33847). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205). Important as a recreational fish (Ref. 33839). Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 57178. |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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