Neobythites neocaledoniensis Nielsen, 1997

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  24.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 470 - 670 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: off New Caledonia and on Norfolk Ridge.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 102-106; Anal soft rays: 87-90; Vertebrae: 59-61. With two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 11 long rakers on anterior gill arch, no ocelli or spots on fins or bands on body.
Biology:  Rare species (Ref. 34024). Feed on gastropods and crustaceans (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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