Common Name
Black Cusk-eel
Year Described
Alcock, 1891
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 103-117
Anal Fin: 81-91
Pectoral Fin: 16-19
Caudal Fin: 8
Pelvic Fin: 0
Gill Rakers: 17-21 (developed)
Vertebrae: 65-72 (total)
Body elongate and heavy, tapering posteriorly. Body depth 5.4-8.6 in SL. Head thick and rounded but becoming compressed beyond the pectoral fin. Mouth subterminal, large and strongly oblique. Posterior maxillary sheathed. Basibranchial tooth patch absent. Opercular spine thin and weak. Dorsal and anal fin continuous with tail. Pectoral fins short and fanlike. Pelvic fins absent. Lateral line a raised ridge with distinct neuromasts/pores dorsal to ridge.
Larvae with spectacular projections of the gut, often covered in fleshy flaps. Pelvic and dorsal fins with elongated rays.
Color
Body dark gray, blue-gray, or black. Unpaired fins with thick black margins. Pectoral fins black.
Size
Maximum size to 61cm SL.
Habitat
Benthopelagic or benthic from 741-2670m. Juveniles pelagic and much shallower.
Range
Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to Suriname.
References
Cohen, D. M., D. A. Hensley, & J. L. Kimmel. 1991. The deepsea ophidiid fish genus Lamprogrammus, a senior synonym of Bassobythites, with notes on the synonymy and distribution of L. brunswigi. Japanese Journal of Ichthyology, 38(2), 125-132.
Fahay, M. P., & J. G. Nielsen. 2003. Ontogenetic evidence supporting a relationship between Brotulotaenia and Lamprogrammus (Ophidiiformes: Ophidiidae) based on the morphology of exterilium and rubaniform larvae. Ichthyological Research, 50, 209-220.