| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| Max. size: |
13.7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 205 - 330 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: Philippines to New Caledonia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 91-92; Anal soft rays: 76-76; Vertebrae: 53-54. The ventral fins reach beyond the origin of anal fin. The hind margin of preoperculum has two spines. There are eleven (11) long rakers on the anterior gill arch. The anterior ocellus is at the origin of the dorsal fin, while the second and larger ocellus is posterior to the anus. |
| Biology: |
Rare species (Ref. 34024) found to feed on gastropods (Ref. 31524). 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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