| Family: |
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae |
| Max. size: |
28.7 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 22 - 82 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Indian Ocean: Oman to Mozambique Channel. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 98-104; Dorsal soft rays (total): 72-76; Vertebrae: 53-55. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: a broad, black
band from the eye to behind the pectoral fin and several light spots dorsally on the head and body as large as the eye; pelvic fins inserted below end of upper jaw; prepelvic length 10.5–13.0% SL; scale rows between origin of dorsal fin and lateral line 14-15; anterior gill arch with 9-11 long rakers; pseudobranchial filaments 30-42; pectoral-fin rays 23–26; anterior dorsal fin ray in front of or above vertebra 1 except for one above vertebra 3; dorsal fin with 3 ocelli; a black band on anal fin leaving a thin unpigmented margin (Ref. 98314). |
| Biology: |
|
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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