Neobythites pallidus
Neobythites pallidus Nielsen, 1997
Pale cusk


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Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  14.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 500 - 620 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: off New Caledonia (Ref. 31524). Southwest Pacific: Australia (Ref. 75154).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 97-101; Anal soft rays: 82-86; Vertebrae: 58-60. Two spines on hind margin of preoperculum, 14-16 long rakers on anterior gill arch, 4-6 pseudobranchial filaments, longest gill filaments on anterior arch 2.8-4.8 % head length, no ocelli, dark blotches or vertical bands on body.
Biology:  Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Feed on gastropods (Ref. 31524). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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