Symphurus hernandezi Saavedra-Díaz, Munroe & Acero P., 2003

Family:  Cynoglossidae (Tonguefishes), subfamily: Symphurinae
Max. size:  9.44 cm SL (male/unsexed); 10.01 cm SL (female)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 148 - 301 m
Distribution:  Caribbean: Colombia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 95-102; Anal soft rays: 80-86. This species is distinguished by the following characters: a 1-3-2 ID pattern, caudal-fin rays 12, black peritoneum, blind side of head and body with combination of dark, purplish coloration and pepperdot pattern of dark melanophores; further differs from all congeners by the number of abdominal vertebrae; 9(6+3), total vertebrae 51-54; hypurals 5, or less frequently 4, D 95-102, A 80-86, scales in longitudinal series approximately 77-86, no pupillary operculum, eyes contiguous or nearly contiguous, teeth on entire margin of ocular-side jaws, no fleshy ridge on ocular side lower jaw, and no scales on blind sides of dorsal- and anal-fin rays (Ref. 75960).
Biology:  This species is apparently is endemic on the outer continental shelf off the Caribbean coast in a relatively narrow depth range (148–301 m) located off Bocas de Ceniza in Magdalena region and Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona in Tayrona region (Ref. 75960).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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