Species: Lepophidium robustum, Robust Cusk-eel

Lepophidium robustum Robins et al, 2012

Robust Cusk-eel

Elongate, eel-like, tapering at rear to a point at tail, relatively, stout; 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 4-5 rudiments, lower arm with 7-10 developed rakers plus 8-14 rudiments below, the front rudiments alternating with (usually) the rear developed rakers; dorsal and anal fins low, confluent with tail; dorsal fin 123-126; anal fin 102-107; pectorals on midside, 22-23 (22-24); 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 uniform pale brown; gill arches , gill chamber and throat blackish; dorsal and anal fins dusky, without black edges.

Reaches 24 cm.

On soft bottoms.

Depth range: 101-261 m.

Northern S America.