Hairlip brotula

Taxobox
name = Hairlip brotula


image_caption = Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Ophidiiformes
familia = Bythitidae
subfamilia = Bythitinae
genus = "Cataetyx"
species = "C. messieri"
binomial = "Cataetyx messieri"
binomial_authority = Günther, 1878

The hairlip brotula, "Cataetyx messieri", is a brotula of the genus "Cataetyx", found around South America from Argentina to Chile at depths of between 200 and 1,500 m. Their length is between 60 and 70 cm.

The hairlip brotula is a codlike fish, very similar to the pink cusk-eel, but with an even more pointed tail consisting of the fused dorsal and anal fins. The pelvic fin consists of one ray only, and the pectoral fin is fairly large. The skin is covered in small scales.

The colour is a uniform dull brown with the underside a little lighter.

The hairlip brotula has a viviparous method of reproduction, giving birth to only a few fully formed young.

References

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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8