Otophidium omostigma

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
OphididaeOtophidium omostigma(Jordan and Gilbert)1882Polka-dot Cusk-eel

Family Ophididae — Moderately elongate ophidiiform fishes (size from about 10 to 200 cm). Anterior nostril placed midway between upper lip and posterior nostril. Supramaxilla present. Teeth usually small, densely distributed, and blunt-tipped. Very seldom fewer than 7 long gill rakers on anterior gill arch (except in Ophidiini). Dorsal and anal fins long, joined to caudal fin; dorsal-fin rays normally longer than opposing anal-fin rays; pelvic-fin rays 0-2. Scales present. A well-developed spine on opercle usually present. Anus placed posterior to tip of pectoral fin except in species with prolonged pectoral fins.

Subfamily Ophidiinae — No barbels on snout and chin. Main body of ventral arm of cleithrum meeting its mate at about level of preopercle, but a slender, elongate filament of bone extends anteriorly to pelvic fins inserted beneath eye. Median basibranchial tooth patches present or absent.

Tribe Ophidiini — At least some body scales (frequently all) non-overlapping, arranged in a basketweave or anguilloid fashion. Head entirely or mostly naked.

Otophidium omostigma

Unique Characters: Ethmoid spine stout, blunt, projecting anterodorsally. Dorsal-fin rays 97-117. Anal-fin rays 84-102. Body boldly marked with black spots; 1 large dark humeral spot.

Similar Species: None.

Reference

FAO. 1999. Species catalogue. Volume 18. Ophidiiform fishes of the world (Order Ophidiiformes). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of pearlfishes, cusk-eels, brotulas and other ophidiiform fishes known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, Vol. 18. 178p., 136 figs. Rome, Italy.

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