Red brotula
📖 Overview
A common cryptic species . Found in rocky areas . Live-bearers with planktonic larvae . Flesh considered sweet and fine-textured but rarely available .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 98 - 110; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 72 - 81; Vertebrae: 63 - 65. Dorsal fin base covered with loose skin; caudal small and rounded; anal fin base covered with skin; pectorals rounded, almost pedunculate; two pelvic fin rays, outer ray of pelvic fins long, slender and filamentous, twice the length of inner ray . Bright red to brown on dorsal surface, nearly white on ventral surface of the body; pale red on ventral surface of head; margins of dorsal and anal fins red; bright red on caudal and pectoral fins; lips pink; mucus secretion reddish . Branchiostegal rays: 7 .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Red brotula is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Red brotula is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Ovoviviparous .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 3 - 256 m , usually 15 - ? m . Subtropical; 59°N - 14°N, 137°W - 92°W
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Red brotula is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Red brotula is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Red brotula has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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