Silver cusk eel (Lepophidium microlepis) fish species and information / pictures of Silver cusk eel - Lepophidium microlepis

Silver cusk eel (Lepophidium microlepis) fish species information

Scientific Name
Lepophidium microlepis

Common Name
Silver 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 rather uniformly pigmented, slightly paler below or with only a series of dark dashes along lateral line or markings confined to vertical fins; esophagus black, gill chamber and oral cavity pale; dorsal fin unspotted (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: Baja California and Gulf of California to Peru.
Range
32°N - 18°S, 117°W - 70°W

Environment

Climate
Tropical
Water Temperature From
Unknown °C
Water Temperature To
Unknown °C
Depth From - meters
70 m
Depth To - meters
320 m
Zone
demersal
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 70 - 320 m (Ref. 34024)
Trophic Level
3.57 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
30.0 cm
Common Length
20.0 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 (28 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)