Barathrites iris

Common Name

Smallheaded Cusk-eel

Year Described

Zugmayer, 1911

Identification

Dorsal Fin: 110-111
Anal Fin: 77-79
Pelvic Fin: 2
Pectoral Fin: 22-23
Caudal Fin: 8
Gill Rakers: 5-6 long rakers on first arch
Pseudobranchial filaments: 2
Branchiostegal rays: 6 (rarely 7)
Vertebrae: 18-19 (precaudal), (caudal), 63 (total)

6-7 branchiostegal rays, Eye diameter 10.7-12.3% in HL, predorsal length 17.1-18.9% SL
Small head, anterior nostril without thick raised rim, vomerine tooth patch diamond shaped, no basibranchial patch

Color

Body pale brown in preservative with a darker head, opercle, and gut region.

Size

Maximum size to 625mm SL.

Habitat

Largely bottom dwelling from 3,465–5,044m.

Range

Suriname

References

Ohashi, S., H. Imamura & M. Yabe. 2012. Record of a Rare Ophidiid Fish, Barathrites iris (Actinopterygii: Teleostei: Ophidiiformes), from off Southern Japan. Species Diversity: 17(2), 169-172.

Other Notes

The closely related Barathrites parri has seven branchiostegal rays, a larger eye, longer pre-dorsal length, and the presence of a basibranchial tooth patch.