Robust cusk-eel
📖 Overview
Robust cusk-eel (Lepophidium robustum) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophidiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 23 cm. It occurs at depths between 101 and 261 metres. With a trophic level of 3.6, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 123 - 126; Anal soft rays: 102 - 107; Vertebrae: 68 - 71. This species is distinguished by the following characters: presence of rudimentary rakers alternating with developed rakers on the lower gill arch (also only for Lepophidium aporrhox); total number of gill raker elements greater than its congeners except L. aporrhox. This species is distinguished from L. apporhox by having 14 precaudal vertebrae (vs. 12-13); 54-56 caudal vertebrae (vs. 49-53); 68-70 total vertebrae (vs. 61-66); 123-126 dorsal rays (vs. 106-115), and 102-107 anal rays (vs. 92-100), and by having a long pelvic ray length as a percentage of standard length (9-10% vs. 13-18% .: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Robust cusk-eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 101 - 261 m . Tropical; 12°N - 8°N, 83°W - 61°W north of Trinidad).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Robust cusk-eel ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.