Description: This is definitely the ophidioid Dicrolene. The elongate free pelvic rays directed forward are characteristic of this taxon, and the large eye and white lateral line pores help.
The full ID is probably D. intronigra, common between 800-1800 m both sides of the Atlantic at tropical latitudes.
There are about 10 nominal species, but probably only about 4-5 are valid. A key characteristic is the short
sharp preopercular spine. In D. intronigra, it is short,
straight, and not visible in photos. In the next most
likely possibility, D. kanazawai, the spine is longer, curved upward, white, and would be visible in a photo of the present quality. Item Type: Image Title: Digitate cusk eel (Dicrolene intronigra) Copyright: Serpent Project Species: Dicrolene introniger Behaviour: Swimming Site: Atlantic -- Northern Tropical Atlantic -- Tiof Site Description: Seafloor Depth (m): 1500 Latitude: 17 deg 30' 00" N Longitude: 17 deg 15' 00" W Countries: West Africa -- Mauritania Habitat: Tropical Sand Rig: Boa Deep Sea Project Partners: Boa, Woodside, Oceaneering ROV: Millenium Deposited By: Rob Curry Deposited On: 13 March 2007
Description: This looks like Dicrolene with the big eye, prominent white spot lateral line. Elongate pectoral fin rays are visible as light is adjusted. Seen here next to a large wood fall. Item Type: Image Title: Dicrolene sp Copyright: SERPENT Species: Dicrolene sp. Site: Indian -- Indian Ocean -- East Africa -- Ngisi-1 Site Description: Seafloor Depth (m): 1328 Countries: East Africa -- Tanzania Rig: Deep Sea Metro I Project Partners: BG Group, Oceaneering ROV: Millennium 113 Deposited By: Dr Andrew Gates Deposited On: 11 September 2014
Description: This looks like Dicrolene with the big eye, prominent white spot lateral line. Elongate pectoral fin rays are visible as light is adjusted. Seen here next to a large wood fall. Item Type: Image Title: Dicrolene sp Copyright: SERPENT Species: Dicrolene sp. Site: Indian -- Indian Ocean -- East Africa -- Ngisi-1 Site Description: Seafloor Depth (m): 1328 Countries: East Africa -- Tanzania Rig: Deep Sea Metro I Project Partners: BG Group, Oceaneering ROV: Millennium 113 Deposited By: Dr Andrew Gates Deposited On: 11 September 2014
Description: This looks like Dicrolene with the big eye, prominent white spot lateral line. Elongate pectoral fin rays are visible as light is adjusted. Seen here next to a large wood fall. Item Type: Image Title: Dicrolene sp Copyright: SERPENT Species: Dicrolene sp. Site: Indian -- Indian Ocean -- East Africa -- Ngisi-1 Site Description: Seafloor Depth (m): 1328 Countries: East Africa -- Tanzania Rig: Deep Sea Metro I Project Partners: BG Group, Oceaneering ROV: Millennium 113 Deposited By: Dr Andrew Gates Deposited On: 11 September 2014