Ophidion guianense Lea & Robins, 2003
Guianan cusk-eel

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  11.7 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 18 - 61 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Saba Bank (eastern Caribbean Sea) to Venezuela and Suriname, 18-61 m. Probably widespread along the Guianan coast and westward in the southern Caribbean Sea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 109-122; Anal soft rays: 91-96; Vertebrae: 63-66. This species is diagnosed by the following characters: D 109- 122 (usually 112-117); A 91-96 (usually 94 or 95), pectoral-fin rays 19 or 20 (modally 19); vertebrae, precaudal 15-16, caudal 47-50 (usually 48-50), total 63-66 (usually 64-65); lower arm of first gill arch with 5-6 developed rakers; short head, inferior mouth but not distinctly overhung by snout; dorsal and ventral profiles of body nearly parallel for much of its length; unmarked body; pelvic rays intermediate in length, reaching under middle of opercle (Ref. 81834).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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