Rubicundus lopheliae (Fernholm & Quattrini, 2008)

Family:  Myxinidae (Hagfishes), subfamily: Rubicundinae
Max. size:  20.1 cm TL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 382 - 700 m
Distribution:  Northwest Atlantic: USA.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished from its congeners by this set of characters: elongated tubular nostril; absence of nasal-sinus papillae; 5 pairs of gill pouches; 3-cusp multicusps in anterior and posterior row of teeth, but may vary to 4 cusps in the posterior row; total cusp count 38-41; prebranchial slime pores 19-21; total pores 88-89; triangular palatine tooth; body color pinkish-orange (Ref. 75169).
Biology:  This species is closely associated with the reef structure of the deep-sea reef building coral L. pertusa (Ref. 75169).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 10 November 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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