New Guinea Viviparous Brotula

The species is characterized by the following: vertebrae 11+32-34=43-45, dorsal fin rays 74-85 (mostly >77), anal fin rays 60-69, D/V 6 (rarely 7); large eyes (2.1-3.4% SL); outer pseudoclasper with broad hook-shaped extension, with rounded tip, slightly bent outwards; inner pseudoclasper short, joined to outer pseudoclasper anteriorly, supporter with anteriorly oriented small hook, and with a wide thin flap at posterior-distal margin; scale patch on cheek with 7-9 scale rows on upper cheek, many scales on operculum above opercular spin (7-16 scales in 2-4 rows), in very large specimens additional scale patch below opercular spine (4-12); head profile is moderately slender; otolith length sulcus length 1.9-2.0, sulcus slightly inclined (Ref. 57884).Description: Characterized by depth of body at anal fin origin 15.1-20.8 (mean=18.4) % SL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 74 - 85; Analsoft rays: 60 - 69; Vertebrae: 43 - 45

Rare species, found on coral-sand bottom (Ref. 34024). Benthic (Ref. 75154). Cryptic and solitary (Ref 90102).

fisheries: of no interest