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Ophidiiformes (Cusk eels) >
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels) > Ophidiinae
Etymology: Cherublemma: Greek, chry, diminutive of cheir = hand + Greek, blemma, -atos = the eyes (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Gilbert.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 102 - 740 m (Ref. 36413). Deep-water; 32°N - 16°S
Eastern Pacific: Baja California to northern Chile.
Length at first maturity / Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm 18.8  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 25.0 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 34024)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99 - 113; Anal spines: 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).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated; Cross section: oval.
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).
Nielsen, J.G., D.M. Cohen, D.F. Markle and C.R. Robins, 1999. Ophidiiform fishes of the world (Order Ophidiiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of pearlfishes, cusk-eels, brotulas and other ophidiiform fishes known to date. FAO Fish. Synop. 125(18):178p. Rome: FAO. (Ref. 34024)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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