Lepophidium hubbsi Robins & Lea, 1978
Panamic cusk-eel

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  21.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 73 - 209 m
Distribution:  Pacific Coast of northern Colombia to Costa Rica.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 128-134; Anal soft rays: 108-113; Vertebrae: 71-73. This species have the following characteristics: pyloric caeca usually 4-8 in 2 whorls, typically 2-3 in first 2 whorls and 1in third; usually 3 rudimentary gill rakers on the upper arm of the first arch and 5-7 developed rakers on lower arm, 1-6 rudimentary rakers anteriorly on the lower arm; total gill rakers 9-14; dorsal-fin origin between neural spines 3-4; roof of mouth posterior to the palatine and vomerine tooth patches blackish, also the gill bars, upper pharyngeal region, esophagus, caeca, and anterior part of the intestine; pectoral fins dusky; dorsal and anal fins have a dark edge; males have the anterior rib thickened (Ref. 91765).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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