Monomitopus torvus Garman, 1899

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  22.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 560 - 1260 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: off northern Peru to northern Columbia (J.Nielsen, pers. comm. 05/06).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 92-104; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 72-86. robust body; eye diameter equal to or slightly shorter than snout; opercular spine strong; preopercle with 2 or 3 more or less distinct spines at lower angle; 1 median basibranchial tooth patch; 1 pelvic fin ray; precaudal vertebrae 13 to 15 (Ref. 34024).
Biology:  Rare species (Ref. 34024). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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