Hoplobrotula gnathopus (Regan, 1921)
False kinglip
Hoplobrotula gnathopus
photo by SFSA

 Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
 Max. size:  45 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  benthopelagic; depth range 180 - 550 m
 Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Natal, South Africa and a few localities somewhat to the north.
 Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 99-103; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 78-82. Rather elongate body with blunt head; eye almost as long as snout; upper jaws ends well behind eye; 3 sharp spines on preopercle and 1strong opercular spine; 1 median and a pair of basibranchial tooth patches; 5-6 developed rakers on anterior gill arch; pelvic fins inserted beneath eye; precaudal vertebrae 15 (Ref. 34024). Snout spine absent (Ref. 34024). Greenish or pinkish in color (Ref. 4103).
 Biology:  Uncommon species (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:  Not supported by Ref. 34024.

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 16.03.93
 Modified by: Luna, Susan M. - 18.05.07
 Checked by: Garilao, Cristina V. - 04.10.00

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