Bathyonus caudalis (Garman, 1899)
photo by FAO

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  51.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 1524 - 4040 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: equatorial Indian Ocean, off Panama and New Caledonia; Japan.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 100-100; Anal soft rays: 80-80; Vertebrae: 63-63. Body depth 9.5 or less in SL; head length about 1/2 preanal length; branchiostegal rays 8-9; no prominent spines on top or side of head; lower pectoral rays free and stronger than upper ones; caudal fin rays 6; precaudal vertebrae 17-19 (Ref. 34024).
Biology:  Benthopelagic at bathyal and abyssal depths (Ref. 56809). 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: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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