Pepperfin cusk-eel

📖 Overview

Pepperfin cusk-eel (Lepophidium gilmorei) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophidiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 17.2 cm. It occurs at depths between 60 and 124 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal soft rays (total): 117 - 122; Anal soft rays: 95 - 101; Vertebrae: 65 - 67. This species is distinguished from its congeners on the basis of vertebral counts; from Lepophidium aporrhox by dorsal rays (117-122 vs. 106-115); from L. aporrhox and L. microlepis by total gill arch elements (8-9 vs. 17-22 and 10-15, respectively); from L. microlepis by average orbit diameter as a percentage of head length (30.4% vs. 23.7%); from L. collettei by the average number of caeca (3.2 vs. 5.4), total gill raker elements (8-9 vs. 12-17), dorsal fin origin (between neural spines 3-4 vs. between 4-5 and 5-6), as well as averages of orbit diameter, body depth at origin of anal fin, predorsal distance, and lateral line length; similar to L. crossotum in number of vertebrae .: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pepperfin cusk-eel is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Pepperfin cusk-eel is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Pepperfin cusk-eel is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 60 - 124 m . Tropical; 35°N - 10°N, 88°W - 65°W South Carolina), the Bahamas (New Providence I.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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