Mascarenichthys microphthalmus Schwarzhans & Møller, 2007
photo by W. Schwarzhans & P. R. Møller

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: South Africa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 67-69; Anal soft rays: 52-55; Vertebrae: 40-41. This species possess the following distinguishing characters: D 67-69, A 52-55, pectoral fin rays 19, D/A is 19-22, V in D 2.0; vertebrae 11+29-30 = 40-41; anterior nostril located 1/4 the distance from upper lip to aggregate distance to anterior margin of eye; small eyes, 0.8-1.2 % SL; 2 pairs of free pseudoclaspers, the outer pseudoclasper simple, flap-shaped with pointed tip, broad at base, short, slightly shorter than inner pseudoclasper which is broad, with 3 ridges in anterior, posterior and inward directions and hidden in pocket of wide isthmus (in resting position); 6 scale rows on cheeks on upper part and 3 rows on lower part; presence of upper preopercular pore (Ref. 76869).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans: 


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