Brotula multibarbata

Brotula multibarbata, commonly known as the goatbeard brotula, is a species of reef cusk eel in the family Ophidiidae. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, typically at depths of around 300 meters.^[2]

Brotula multibarbata
Illustration
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Ophidiiformes
Genus:	Brotula
Species:	B. multibarbata
Binomial name
Brotula multibarbata Temminck & Schlegel, 1847
Synonyms
Brotula burbonensis Kaup, 1858 Brotula ensiformis Günther, 1862 Brotula multicirrata Vaillant & Sauvage, 1875 Brotula japonica Steindachner & Döderlein, 1887 Brotula ferruginosus (Tickell, 1888) Brotula marginalis Jenkins, 1901 Brotula formosae Jordan & Evermann, 1902 Brotula muelleri Günther, 1909 Brotula jayakari Günther, 1909 Brotula palmietensis J.L.B. Smith, 1935

Description

Brotula multibarbata is an elongated fish with a soft usually brown or red brown body.^[3] It has a series of short barbels located around its head. These barbels function as sensory organs that allow it to detect prey in dim environments.^[2] It uses its slender body to move through narrow reef passages where it feeds in relative secrecy.^[3] Due to its nocturnal behavior and deep-water habitat, Brotula multibarbata is rarely seen by divers or researchers. Even in ideal conditions with high visibility, the species remains hidden for much of the day.^[4]