Masked assfish
📖 Overview
Masked assfish (Bassozetus nielseni), first described by Tomiyama, Takami & Fukui, 2018 is a large fish in the family Ophidiidae (order Ophidiiformes). Adults typically reach 61.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 3155 to 5440 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 122 - 129; Anal soft rays: 101 - 109; Vertebrae: 68 - 71. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D 122-129; long rakers on 1st gill arch 11-14; oblique scales 20-25; abdominal vertebrae 13-14; HL 18.1-21.3% SL; body depth at anal-fin origin 8.2-14.6% SL; predorsal length 16.4-20.1% SL; tail length 62.7-68% SL; posterior tip of pelvic-fin rays anterior to anus; one medial basibranchial tooth patch; dorsal margin of sagittal otolith smooth. Colouration: pale yellowish brown fins (preserved condition).Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Masked assfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 3155 - 5440 m . Tropical North Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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