Bassozetus werneri Nielsen & Merrett, 2000
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 Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
 Max. size:  37.5 cm SL (female)
 Environment:  bathydemersal; depth range - 1862 m
 Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: south of New Caledonia.
 Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following characters: elongated and compressed body; rounded snout, slightly protruding over tips of jaws; fully scaled head, body scales larger than those on head with 20 in an oblique row; no basibranchial tooth patches; dentigerous vomer a minute, circular plate; sagittal otolith with distinct pointed process at the anterior end; 29 pectoral fin-rays; ventral fins almost reaching anus, 17.5% SL); 10 long gill rakers on anterior arch; chocolate brown coloration (Ref. 84269).
 Biology:  Known only from the holotype, a semi-ripe, female caught at continental slope depth. Stomach and intestine remains indicate that the species feeds on or close to the bottom (remains of crustaceans: 7 amphipods (10 - 40 mm in length) and 1 isopod ca. 10 mm in length (Ref. 84269). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 22.08.03
 Modified by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 02.06.10

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