Bassozetus nielseni Tomiyama, Takami & Fukui, 2018
Masked assfish

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  61.5 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 3155 - 5440 m
Distribution:  North Atlantic and Western Indian Ocean. Tropical to subartic.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 122-129; Anal soft rays: 101-109; Vertebrae: 68-71. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: D 122-129; long rakers on 1st gill arch 11-14; oblique scales 20-25; abdominal vertebrae 13-14; HL 18.1-21.3% SL; body depth at anal-fin origin 8.2-14.6% SL; predorsal length 16.4-20.1% SL; tail length 62.7-68% SL; posterior tip of pelvic-fin rays anterior to anus; one medial basibranchial tooth patch; dorsal margin of sagittal otolith smooth. Colouration: pale yellowish brown fins (preserved condition).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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