Common Name
Ghost Cusk-eel
Year Described
Böhlke & Robins, 1959
Identification
Dorsal Fin: 111-116
Anal Fin: 98-102
Pectoral Fin: 16-17
Caudal Fin: 9
Pelvic Fin: 2
Gill Rakers: 6 in first arch (2 rudiments + 4 well developed)
Vertebrae: 13+51 = 64 (total)
Body elongated but relatively stocky with dorsal and ventral profiles almost parallel except for the tapered tail. Head profile convex. Snout projecting over mouth. A groove on snout between upper lip and anterior nostril. Ethmoid spine present (I-shaped). Mouth inferior. Jaw extending rearward to slightly past rear of orbit. Small villiform teeth present on the dentary, maxillary, premaxillary, vomer, palatine and pharyngeal. Opercular spine well developed. Dorsal and anal fins continuous with tail. Anal origin well behind dorsal origin. Pectoral fin short and rounded. Pelvic fins long and unequal (length about head length). Dorsal fin origin over pectoral fin base.. Scales very small in basketweave pattern. Head, nape, and back above lateral line without scales. Branchiostegal rays number seven. No pyloric caeca.
Color
Body and head overall pale, without markings. Random melanophores often present along lateral line. Fins translucent pale. In larger specimens there is a faint anchor-shaped dark marking on the nape running to the base of the dorsal fin. Throat and gill area pale.
Size
Maximum size to 10.5cm SL.
Habitat
Inhabits very shallow water from 0-7m, usually in or around seagrass beds in open sandy areas. Most likely burrows.
Range
Known from the Bahamas and off E. Brazil.
References
Böhlke, J. E., & C. R. Robins. 1959. Studies on Fishes of the Family Ophidiidae: II. Three New Species from the Bahamas. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 111, 37-52.