Galapagos cusk-eel
📖 Overview
Galapagos cusk-eel (Ophidion galapagensis), first described by Lea & Robins, 2024 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ophidiidae (order Ophidiiformes). Adults typically reach 17.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 110 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 141 - 162; Anal soft rays: 115 - 131; Vertebrae: 72 - 75. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D 141-154 (162, MCZ 40433); A 115-123 (131, MCZ 40433); vertebrae 72-75, precaudal 16-18, caudal 55-58; pectoral-fin rays 24-25, outer pelvic filaments long, exceeding pectoral length; pectoral fin approximately 60% pelvic-fin length; gill rakers on first arch 6, reduced rakers on upper limb 2 and developed rakers of moderate and equal length on lower limb 4; caudal-fin rays 4/5=9; branchiostegals 7 .Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Galapagos cusk-eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 1 - 110 m . Tropical Southeast Pacific: Galápagos Archipelago.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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