Leucicorus atlanticus Nielsen, 1975
Leucicorus atlanticus
photo by FAO

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  15.4 cm SL (male/unsexed); 24 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 4350 - 6800 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 82-94; Anal soft rays: 68-80. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D 82-94; much reduced squamation on preopercle and opercle and occiput almost naked; scale rows on trunk above beginning of anal fin 18-20; black eye comparatively small (10-13.5% HL), none or minute lens <10%; otolith roundish, massive, OL:OH = 1.2-1.55, the inner face flat while outer one strongly convex (Ref. 126178).
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: 11 October 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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