Orange eelpout

📖 Overview

Orange eelpout (Dipulus caecus), first described by Waite, 1905 is a medium-sized fish in the family Dinematichthyidae (order Ophidiiformes). Adults typically reach 19.70 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 6 to 15 metres. It occurs in Temperate 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): 161 - 191; Anal soft rays: 109 - 124; Vertebrae: 79 - 87. The species is distinguished in having a very elongate, almost eel-like body; vertebrae 22-25 + 57-65 = 79-87, dorsal fin rays 161-191, anal fin rays 109-124, D/A 58-75, V/A 27-28; no scales; no supraorbital pore behind eye; lower preopercular pores 2; posterior infraorbital pores 3; broad angle on ventral maxilla positioned behind rear of eye; exposed opercular spine small, short, straight; lower lip with prominent skin folds; single pair of pseudoclaspers curved outwards, with narrow base and pointed tip, with broadly expanded fleshy flaps anteriorly and posteriorly; penis small, less than half the length of pseudoclaspers, with hook at tip; otoliths pointed anteriorly, rounded posteriorly, predorsal angle more pronounced than postdorsal angle .: elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Orange eelpout is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 6 - 15 m . Temperate; 25°S - 34°S Indian Ocean: Western Australia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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