| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| Max. size: |
17 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
bathydemersal; marine; depth range 435 - 500 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Central Pacific: off New Caledonia (Ref. 31524) and Australia (Ref. 75154). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 100-105; Anal soft rays: 86-92; Vertebrae: 61-62. Two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 10-12 long raker on anterior gill arch, six small pseudobranchial filaments, two ocelli placed on middle third of dorsal fin. |
| Biology: |
A benthic species found on the continental slope (Ref. 75154). 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: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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