Gaidropsarus novaezealandiae (Hector, 1874)
New Zealand ling

Family:  Gaidropsaridae (Rocklings)
Max. size:  24.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 500 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: New Zealand and south of Tasmania.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 56-70; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 50-59; Vertebrae: 46-49. First dorsal reduced to a single ray followed by a band of brush-like filaments; second dorsal with 55-69 soft rays; gill rakers rudimentary (Ref. 9003). Caudal fin rounded. Dark brownish grey to reddish brown, paler below, sometimes with yellowish tinge (Ref. 9003).
Biology:  Inhabits rock pools and shallow coastal waters; secretive species (Ref. 30464). Feeds on small invertebrates and fish (Ref. 9003). Probably nocturnal (Ref. 9003).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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