Sooty cusk-eel
📖 Overview
Sooty cusk-eel (Lepophidium zophochir) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophidiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 24.3 cm. It occurs at depths between 192 and 348 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): 130 - 139; Anal soft rays: 108 - 116; Vertebrae: 74 - 77. This species possesses a pigmented gut and distinguished by the following characters: D 130-139; 74-77 total vertebrae; average body depth, 10.6% in SL; origin of dorsal fin, 11.4% in SL; origin of anal fin, 10.5% in SL; average long pelvic ray length, 8.8% in SL; pectoral fin length, 8.8% in SL; head and body with no pattern of spots, bars, or blotches .: eel-like; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sooty cusk-eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 192 - 348 m . Tropical; 13°N - 5°N, 75°W - 51°W South America from the Guianas to Trinidad and along the Caribbean coast of Venezuela and northern Colombia (off Barranquilla).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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