Leopard cusk eel (Lepophidium pardale) fish species and information / pictures of Leopard cusk eel - Lepophidium pardale

Leopard cusk eel (Lepophidium pardale) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepophidium pardale

Common Name
Leopard cusk eel

Biology
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 with numerous large dark brown blotches; esophagus dark; gill chamber pale; pharynx dusky; mouth pale (Ref. 34024).

Classification

Classified By
Gilbert, 1890
Class
Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Order
Cusk eels (Ophidiiformes)
Family
Cusk-eels (Ophidiidae)

Distribution

Region
Eastern Pacific
Distribution
Eastern Pacific: Gulf of California to Peru.
Range
32°N -

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
0 m
Depth To - meters
250 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 0 - 250 m (Ref. 55763)
Trophic Level
3.52 s.e. 0.56 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
19.3 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
Fisheries:
Vulnerability
Low to moderate vulnerability (26 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)