Brotula barbata

(Bloch & Schneider, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Bearded brotula
French : Brotule

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Ophidiiformes
Family : Ophidiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 94 cm for a weight of 8.5 kg. Elongated and laterally compressed body with high dorsal and anal fins. Small barbels around mouth. Coloration brown, darker on fins. White marks around mouth.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in tropical Atlantic Ocean from Florida to Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea and northern South American coasts. Also from Senegal to Angola. Lives in sandy and muddy bottoms areas on continental shelf, down to 650 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species is widespread and common within its large range. It is targeted by commercial fisheries in west Africa but isn’t considered threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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