Cherublemma emmelas (Gilbert, 1890)
Black brotula
Cherublemma emmelas
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 102 - 740 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: Baja California to northern Chile.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99-113; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 81-98; Vertebrae: 55-58. Rostral spine well developed with vertical basal component which projects dorsally, and a long forward projecting straight component; peritoneum and guts black; narrow weak band of basibranchial teeth; bones thin, weakly developed (Ref. 34024). Branchiostegal rays: 7 (Ref. 36413).
Biology:  Adults are found on soft bottoms, between 429 and 732 m in depth, while juveniles are encountered at shallower depths (Ref. 9329). Prejuveniles mesopelagic (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae and extended pelagic juvenile stage (Ref. 36413). Oval pelagic eggs float in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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