Brotula barbata (Bloch & Schneider 1801)

Body completely covered with small, imbricate, cycloid scales; barbels present on snout (6) and chin (6); branchiostegal rays 8; median basibranchial tooth patch absent; developed gill rakers on first arch 4 or fewer; pelvic fin rays inserted at about level of preopercle, well behind eye (Ref. 34024). Ventral fins dark, gradually becoming darker at the extreme blackish edge (Ref. 13608).

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 109 - 117; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 86 - 90

Adults benthopelagic (Ref. 34024) down to 650 m, but most often on the continental shelf (Ref. 3686), on sandy and muddy bottoms (Ref. 2683). Juveniles common in reefs (Ref. 34024). Smaller silvery specimens taken far out at sea in the epipelagic (Ref. 34024). Specimens caught in Jamaica below 200 m were reported to have caridean prawns in their guts (Ref. 112851).

Common species (Ref. 34024). Adults benthopelagic (Ref. 34024) down to 650 m, but most often on the continental shelf (Ref. 3686), on sandy and muddy bottoms (Ref. 2683). Juveniles common in reefs (Ref. 34024). Smaller silvery specimens taken far out at sea in the epipelagic (Ref. 34024). Oviparous, with oval pelagic eggs floating in a gelatinous mass (Ref. 205).

fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; price category: high; price reliability: reliable: based on ex-vessel price for this species