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Yellow cuskeel (Dermatopsis multiradiatus) — Bythitidae

Yellow cuskeel

Dermatopsis multiradiatus
Family: Bythitidae

The Yellow cuskeel (Dermatopsis multiradiatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Bythitidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–10.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Australia

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Description

The yellow cuskeel is a small, secretive brotula (Bythitidae) from coastal waters of southern Australia. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, soft, yellowish body with continuous dorsal and anal fins. As a cryptic bottom-dweller it shelters in crevices and under stones of rocky reefs and snaps at small crustaceans. Unlike many fish it gives birth to live young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yellow cuskeel?

The Yellow cuskeel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Yellow cuskeel live?

The Yellow cuskeel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia

How big does the Yellow cuskeel get?

The Yellow cuskeel grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Yellow cuskeel dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow cuskeel 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellow cuskeel sourced
Scientific name
Dermatopsis multiradiatus
Family
Bythitidae
Other names
Slender blindfish; Yellow eelpout; Blindfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Australia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Bythitidae

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