Homostolus acer Smith & Radcliffe, 1913
Filament cusk
Homostolus acer
photo by Reyes, R.B.

Family:  Ophidiidae (Cusk-eels), subfamily: Neobythitinae
Max. size:  18.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  bathydemersal; marine; depth range 300 - 1000 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: off Japan to off Australia and New Caledonia.
Diagnosis:  Rather elongate body with pointed head; eye diameter equal to or longer than snout; jaw teeth granular in narrow bands; opercular spine sharp and straight; 1-3 sharp spines on lower margin of preopercle; median basibranchial tooth patch 1; developed rakers on anterior gill arch 27-42; pectoral fins low on the body; each pelvic fin with 1 ray longer than head; precaudal vertebrae 13.
Biology:  Benthopelagic at bathyal depth (Ref. 56809). Found on the continental slope (Ref. 75154). Common species (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 16 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Museum: USNM 74132 (holotype, Iligan Bay, Mindanao), USNM 76677; MNHN 1984-617 (Ref. 6225).


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