Benthocometes robustus (Goode & Bean, 1886)
photo by Fischer, L.G.

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  15 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 500 - 1000 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: few specimens caught off Cape Bojador in northwest Africa; also from the Mediterranean. Western Atlantic: throughout the Caribbean (Ref. 2733).
Diagnosis:  Head short and stubby; eyes equal to or greater than length of snout; opercle with 2 posteriorly directed spines; developed rakers on anterior gill arch 7-10; pseudobranchial filaments 5-7 (Ref. 34024).
Biology:  Larvae epipelagic (Ref. 34024). Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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