| Family: |
Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula) |
| Max. size: |
5.6 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6.1 cm SL (female) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic: Caribbean Sea, Belize, Panama, through Venezuela to Trinidad and Tobago and northward along the Antilles to Navassa. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal soft rays (total): 71-82; Anal soft rays: 52-61; Vertebrae: 40-44. This species is characterized by the following: Vertebrae 11-13 + 29-32 = 40-44, dorsal fin rays 71-82, anal fin rays 52-61; outer pseudoclasper wingshaped with single curved supporter anteriorly; inner pseudoclasper club-shaped, with prominent appendix inserted at posterior-distal angle; small fleshy lobe at base of hood adjacent to outer pseudoclasper, penis
tapering; opercular spine with single, sharp tip; scale patch on cheeks with 6-9 vertical scale rows; otolith length: height ratio 2.2-2.3; green pigment globules in head and body mucus (Ref. 57883). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits rocky and coral reefs, in depths down to about 15 m. A few specimens are known from mangrove habitats. A 58 mm SL female specimen contains about 50 eggs, diameter 0.3-0.5 mm and 55 embryos, 6-8 mm TL, with 2 long rows of pigment spots along mid-body and dorsal fin base (Ref. 57883). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 29 January 2013 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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