False kinglip
📖 Overview
False kinglip (Hoplobrotula gnathopus), first described by Regan, 1921 is a large fish in the family Ophidiidae (order Ophidiiformes). Adults typically reach 45.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 180 to 550 metres. It occurs in Deep-water 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 spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99 - 103; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 78 - 82. Rather elongate body with blunt head; eye almost as long as snout; upper jaws ends well behind eye; 3 sharp spines on preopercle and 1strong opercular spine; 1 median and a pair of basibranchial tooth patches; 5-6 developed rakers on anterior gill arch; pelvic fins inserted beneath eye; precaudal vertebrae 15 . Snout spine absent . Greenish or pinkish in color .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for False kinglip is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 180 - 550 m . Deep-water South Africa and a few localities somewhat to the north.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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