Holcomycteronus profundissimus

photo by Reiner, F.

Family:	Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:	30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	bathydemersal; marine; depth range 5600 - 7160 m
Distribution:	Atlantic, Eastern Indian Ocean, and Northeast Pacific.
Diagnosis:	Robust body with rounded snout; eye diameter much shorter than snout; opercular spine strong; 2 median and a pair of basibranchial tooth patches; 7-11 developed rakers on anterior gill arch; pelvic fin rays flattened distally and somewhat thicker in males (Ref. 34024).
Biology:	Rare species (Ref. 34024). Reproductive strategy possibly similar to other members of this family featuring oviparity, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 July 2014 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless

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