Spotted Cusk Eel

Head naked; scales on body in basketweave pattern; precaudal vertebrae 18-19; swim bladder in males with posterior opening; body and head with numerous dark spots and blotches (Ref. 34024). Branchiostegal rays: 7 (Ref. 36413). Pelvic fin consists of one ray with two branches of unequal length (Ref. 36413).

Oviparous (Ref. 36413).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 187 - 229; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 150 - 181; Vertebrae: 86 - 91

Noted for its ability to swim backward, using the tail for guidance. When startled or disturbed, it often burrows rapidly into the bottom; otherwise it spends most of its time "standing" erect with the tail bent at a 90° angle along the bottom or inserted into a hole or crack (Ref. 4525).

Uncommon species found on sandy bottom from the shore to 280 m (Ref. 34024). Adults often burrow tail-first in sand, live in mucus-lined holes (Ref. 2850), mud, eelgrass and rock rubble (Ref. 36413). Mostly active at night and on overcast days (Ref. 2850). Important food for sea lions and cormorants (Ref. 2850). Oviparous, with planktonic larvae and extended pelagic juvenile (Ref. 36413). Oval, pelagic eggs float in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).

fisheries: of no interest

Chilara taylori, the spotted cusk-eel, is a species of cusk-eel found along the eastern coast of the Pacific Ocean where it is found at depths down to around 280 metres (920 ft) from Washington, United States to Ecuador. This species grows to a length of 40.4 centimetres (15.9 in) TL. It is the only known member of its genus.