Polka-dot cusk-eel (Otophidium omostigma)

Scientific name: Otophidium omostigma Jordan & Gilbert, 1882

Polka-dot cusk-eel (Otophidium omostigma)

The Polka-dot cusk-eel (Otophidium omostigma) is a marine fish of the family Ophidiidae. Native range: Western Atlantic, North Carolina to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico; also in the Lesser Antilles; extending to northern South America.

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 102-106; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 82 - 85. A distinct black blotch present just above gill cover; two or three rows of dark brownish blotches on body; dorsal fin with blackish blotches along margin; anal black; caudal pale; snout spine situated between posterior nostril and covered with skin; anal wide, flat spine on opercle; gill rakers short.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Otophidium omostigma
Family
Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels)
Order
Ophidiiformes (Cusk eels)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
12.9
Depth range
10–50 m (33–164 ft)
Environment
Marine; demersal; depth range 10 - 50 m
Climate
Subtropical
Distribution
Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico; also in the Lesser Antilles; extending to northern South America.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated