Spinyhead Cusk

This species is distinguished by the following characters: 2 spines on midline of head, one anteriorly directed on frontal above eye and another upward directed, weak and thin on ethmoid, 3 bony ridges on dorsum behind frontal spine; maximum width of head 5.6-6.0% SL, of body 3.5-3.9 % SL; elongated body with joined vertical fins; head naked, with anterior part of body having scattered scales in midline and posterior half almost fully scaled; skin thin and translucent; eye diameter less than snout-length; opercular spine covered by skin; posterior part of maxilla greatly expanded vertically; dentigerous bones with granular teeth; palatines in 2-3 rows; pectoral peduncle slightly longer than broad, not adnate; gill opening extending well above opercular spine; anterior gill arch with 3 long rakers; vertebrae, precaudal 15, total 57-58; D 99-100, A 64-65, pectoral 16-17, caudal 12; otolith length to height = 2.5, with sulcus undivided, placed in central part of inner face, and otolith length to sulcus length = 2.7 (Ref. 93007).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 99 - 100; Analsoft rays: 64 - 65; Vertebrae: 57 - 58

A viviparous, benthic species found on the lower continental shelf and slope (Ref. 75154, 93007). Rare species (Ref. 34024). A 5.7 cm SL female with full developed embryos (Ref. 34024).

fisheries: of no interest

The spinyhead cusk (Hastatobythites arafurensis) is a species of viviparous brotula found in the western Pacific Ocean where it occurs from the Arafura Sea to New South Wales, Australia. It is found at depths of from 146 to 850 metres (479 to 2,789 ft). This species grows to a length of 9 centimetres (3.5 in) SL.