Lepophidium cultratum Robins, Robins & Brown, 2012
Blackear cusk-eel

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Ophidiinae
Max. size:  30.8 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 91 - 329 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: southern Caribbean Sea from eastern Honduras and southern Nicaragua to French Guiana.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 128-137; Anal soft rays: 105-112; Vertebrae: 70-74. This species is characterized by the following: head and body without pattern; differs L. crossotum, L. kallion, and L. wileyi in lacking a fringed snout; no large spot in the dorsal fin; lacks the distally expanded anterior rib or haltere (?) in males (Ref. 91765).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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