Blotchfin cusk eel (Lepophidium stigmatistium) fish species and information / pictures of Blotchfin cusk eel - Lepophidium stigmatistium

Blotchfin cusk eel (Lepophidium stigmatistium) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepophidium stigmatistium

Common Name
Blotchfin cusk eel

Biology
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 122-130; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 99 - 109; Vertebrae: 68 - 71. Rostral spine long and curved, reaching tip of snout, without vertical basal component; peritoneum pale; no median basibranchial tooth patch; head extensively covered with imbricate rows of cycloid scales except for snout and throat; body tapering to point, dagger-shaped (Ref. 34024). Body rather uniformly pigmented, slightly paler below or with only a series of dark dashes along lateral line or markings confined to vertical fins; gill chamber black, esophagus dusky, oral cavity pale; dorsal fin with dark spots between rays number 4-14; (Ref. 34024). Branchiostegal rays: 7 (Ref. 36413). Pelvic fin consists of one ray with two branches of unequal length.

Classification

Classified By

Gilbert, 1890

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Cusk eels (Ophidiiformes)

Family

Cusk-eels (Ophidiidae)

Distribution

Region

Eastern Central Pacific

Distribution

Eastern Central Pacific: Gulf of California and outer coast of Baja California.

Range

29°N - 24°N

Environment

Climate

Subtropical

Water Temperature From

Unknown °C

Water Temperature To

Unknown °C

Depth From - meters

20 m

Depth To - meters

238 m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Marine; demersal; depth range 20 - 238 m (Ref. 36413)

Trophic Level

3.56 s.e. 0.57 Based on size and trophs of closest relatives

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

True

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

False

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

False

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

23.6 cm

Common Length

Unknown cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 0.5001 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Unknown

Vulnerability

Low to moderate vulnerability (30 of 100)

Resilience

High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Least Concern (LC)