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 
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| 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] | |
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Description
editIt 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
editThe 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
editThey are oviparous and characterized by larvae in midwater that are late post-flexion and transition stage.[4]
References
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ Bailly, Nicolas (15 January 2008). "Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944". World Register of Marine Species. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Brotula clarkae Hubbs, 1944 Pacific bearded brotula". FishBase. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
- ^ 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.