Ophidion muraenolepis Günther, 1880
Blackedge cusk
photo by Gloerfelt-Tarp, T.

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  15.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 80 - 370 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Taiwan and the Arafura Sea to Hawaii.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 151; Anal soft rays: 111; Vertebrae: 70
Biology:  A benthic species (Ref. 58302, 75154) found on the continental shelf and slope (Ref. 75154). Uncommon species found in the deep shelf and upper slope (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 34024.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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