Pacific bearded brotula

(Redirected from Brotula clarkae)

The Pacific bearded brotula (Brotula clarkae) also known as the pink bearded cusk-eel or the red bearded cusk-eel is a species of cusk eel found in the Pacific Ocean. It is described as being reddish-brown with dark fins.

Pacific bearded brotula
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Ophidiiformes
Family: Ophidiidae
Genus: Brotula
Species:
B. clarkae
Binomial name
Brotula clarkae
Hubbs, 1944
Synonyms[2]
  • Brotula clarki Hubbs, 1944

Description

edit

It averages around 45 cm (18 in), the largest specimen measured 115 cm (45 in). It contains around 108–118 dorsal soft rays, 27–28 pectoral rays and 78–89 analsoft rays. They also have 55–56 vertebrae.[3]

Distribution and habitat

edit

The Pacific bearded brotula is widespread in the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from the Gulf of California in the north to northern Peru in the south. This range includes the eastern coasts of Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and southern California, United States. Mature fish are benthopelagic and may be found at depths of up to 650 m (2,130 ft) below the surface, however, they are most commonly found in the range of 40–75 m (131–246 ft). Juveniles are commonly found on reefs.[1][3]

Behaviour

edit

They are oviparous and characterized by larvae in midwater that are late post-flexion and transition stage.[4]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Lea, B.; Béarez, P.; McCosker, J. (2010). "Brotula clarkae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T183970A8208595. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T183970A8208595.en. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  2. ^ Bailly, Nicolas (15 January 2008). "Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944 Pacific bearded brotula". FishBase. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  4. ^ Ambrose, D.A., 1996. Ophidiidae: cusk-eels. p. 513-531. In H.G. Moser (ed.) The early stages of fishes in the California Current region. California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) Atlas No. 33. 1505p.