Fin's Fish Guide
The Earspot cusk eel (Ophidion fulvum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophidiidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Description
The earspot cusk eel is a cusk-eel from the western Atlantic, in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The species grows to about 18 cm and has an elongate, light brown body with long, continuous dorsal and anal fins that meet at the tail, and a dark spot by the gill cover. As a bottom-dweller it lies buried in sand by day and emerges at night to hunt small bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Earspot cusk eel?
The Earspot cusk eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long continuous fins; lies buried in sand during the day
Where does the Earspot cusk eel live?
The Earspot cusk eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic
How big does the Earspot cusk eel get?
The Earspot cusk eel grows to a maximum of about 18 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Earspot cusk eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Earspot cusk eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Earspot cusk eel edible?
The Earspot cusk eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ophidion
More from the family Ophidiidae
Want the complete picture on the Earspot cusk eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Earspot cusk eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.