Otophidium omostigma (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882)
Polka-dot cusk-eel
Otophidium omostigma
photo by JAMARC

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  12.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 10 - 50 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: North Carolina to Florida and the northern Gulf of Mexico; also in the Lesser Antilles; extending to northern South America (Ref. 5217).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 102-106; Anal spines: 0-0; 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 (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205). Minimum depth from Ref. 37039.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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