Species: Lepophidium gilmorei, Pepperfin Cusk-eel

Lepophidium gilmorei Robins et al, 2012

Pepperfin Cusk-eel

Elongate, eel-like, tapering at rear to a point at tail; head low, compressed; snout with well developed, curved spine at front, no fringes under tip; eye large; mouth large, broad, nearly horizontal; teeth on jaws small, simple, in bands, outer ones larger; no tooth patch at lower front of gill arches; gill rakers – upper arm with 2-3 rudiments, lower arm with 4 (4-5) developed rakers plus 1-3 rudiments below, total 8-9 rakers; dorsal and anal fins low, confluent with tail; dorsal fin 117-122; anal fin 95-101; pectorals on midside, 21-22 (20-23); pelvics each of two small threads inserted under eye; scales round, small, in regular overlapping rows; head extensively covered with overlapping scales extending to between or before eyes, on cheeks and opercle; lateral line complete.

Head & body brown, with mottling of paler spots & blotches on upper side, pectoral fin with dark top & bottom edges; rear of mouth, gill arches, and gill chamber (except insides of opercle & membranes under throat), and throat black; dorsal and anal fins with outer ½ covered with dark speckles & broad black edges.

Reaches 18 cm.

On soft bottoms.

Depth range: 60-124 m.

S Carolina to the S Caribbean.