Key Brotula

Diagnosis: The species is characterized by the following: Vertebrae 11-13 + 27-29 = 39-41, dorsal fin rays 66-76, anal fin rays 50-57; outer and inner pseudoclaspers simple, triangular flaps, outer about 2 times size of inner pseudoclasper; penis tapering; opercular spinewith single, sharp tip; scale patch on cheeks with 4-6 vertical scale rows; otolith length: height ratio 2.1-2.3, sulcus not inclined; ventral fin reaching about 2/3 from ventral fin base to anal fin base (15.3-23.9, x = 20.3 % SL); body slender (13.2-17.4, x = 15.4 % SL) (Ref. 57883). Description: Yellowish to brownish, with fins about same color as body. Head partly scaled, no scales on operculum; body completely covered with overlapping scales (Ref. 26938).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 66 - 76; Analsoft rays: 50 - 57; Vertebrae: 39 - 41

The species prefers shallow algae habitats at depths from 0 to 8 m, except for a single record off North Carolina (USNM 223537) caught at a depth of 31-33 m. A 44 mm SL female specimen (ANSP 148378) contained 2 embryos (12 mm TL) and 15 eggs (diameter 0.3 mm). A 37 mm SL female (ANSP 148378) contains 3 embryos of 8 mm TL, 1 embryo of 4 mm SL, and 10 eggs, 0.5 mm in diameter. The embryos have black eyes, but no pigmentation on head and body,probably due to bleaching (Ref. 57883). A cryptic species, locally abundant (Ref. 34024).

fisheries: of no interest