Dipulus hutchinsi Møller & Schwarzhans, 2006
Hutchin's mudbrotula
Dipulus hutchinsi
photo by Møller, P.R.

Family:  Dinematichthyidae (Viviparous brotula)
Max. size:  10.2 cm SL (male/unsexed); 11.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Western Australia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 104-110; Anal soft rays: 66-73; Vertebrae: 53-56. The species is characterized by having a very elongate body; vertebrae 16-17 + 36-40 = 53-56, dorsal fin rays 104-110, anal fin rays 66-73, D/A 41-43, V/A 19-20; scales present on body; no supraorbital pore behind eye; lower preopercular pores 3, non-tubular; posterior infraorbital pores 3; broad angle on ventral maxilla positioned behind rear of eye; exposed opercular spine bent upwards; lower lip with skin folds; single pair of pseudoclaspers curved, hockey stick-like, thin; penis slightly shorter than pseudoclaspers, with hook at tip; otoliths pointed anteriorly and posteriorly, their predorsal and postdorsal angles are similar in expression, otolith length to height ratio 2.1-2.2, with sulcus narrow (Ref. 57886).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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