Pink brotula

Taxobox
name = Pink brotula


image_caption =
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Ophidiiformes
familia = Bythitidae
genus = "Brosmodorsalis"
species = "B. persicinus"
binomial = "Brosmodorsalis persicinus"
binomial_authority = Paulin & Roberts, 1989The pink brotula, "Brosmodorsalis persicinus", is a viviparous brotula of the family Bythitidae, the only member of the genus "Brosmodorsalis". It is found along the northeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand from shallow depths to about 17 m, in rock pools and reef areas of broken rock and dense algal growth . Their length is up to 6 cm.

The pink brotula is a small codlike fish, very similar to the fleshfish, with long dorsal and anal fins and a small separate tail fin. Large rounded pectoral fins contrast with very long single-ray pelvic fins set well forward under the gill openings. The eyes lie towards the top of the blunt head and the mouth is large and bears prominent teeth. It has an eel-like swimming action.

Coloration is peach-like orange pink head and body, slightly paler ventrally. Adult males have a distinctive whitish streak along the belly. This species is distinguished from other brotulas by the dorsal fin which begins forward of the operculum and has the first rays free of membrane. The pink brotula is very secretive, living deep within crevices or caves, or under rocks, and is very seldom seen although it can be locally very common.

References

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