| Family: |
Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula) |
| Max. size: |
11.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); 10.3 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 10 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Indian Ocean: Australia. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 97-112; Anal soft rays: 57-64; Vertebrae: 52-57. The species is distinguished by having a very elongate body; vertebrae 19-22 + 33-36 = 52-57,
dorsal fin rays 97-112, anal fin rays 57-64, D/A 42-51, V/A 23-26; body with scales; supraorbital pore behind eye present; lower preopercular pores 3, the 2 first tubular; posterior infraorbital pores 3; broad angle on ventral maxilla positioned behind rear of eye; exposed opercular
spine bent upwards; lower lip with skin folds; single pair of pseudoclaspers curved, hockey stick-like, thin; penis slightly shorter than pseudoclaspers, with hook at tip; otoliths rounded anteriorly and expanded posteriorly, without postdorsal angle, otolith length to height ratio
2.3-2.4, sulcus wide (Ref. 57886). |
| Biology: |
A locally abundant, secretive species inhabiting inshore reefs (Ref. 34024). A female specimen ( 77 mm TL) was reported by McCulloch and Waite (1918) to contain three fully developed embryos, 28 mm in total length. Coloration is reported to include dark pigmentation dorsally. Specimens are also commonly found with copepod remains in the stomach (seen from x-rays). Maximum length for female is 103 mm SL (Ref. 57886). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
