Gargoyle cusk

The gargoyle cusk (Xyelacyba myersi) is a species of cusk-eel from the subfamily Neobythitinae of the family Ophidiidae. This species grows to a length of 57 cm TL. It is the only known member of its genus, although research suggests the species should be classified in the genus Acanthonus. The specific name honours George S. Myers (1905-1985) of Stanford University who taught the describer, Daniel Cohen, ichthyology. It is a rare benthopelagic fish which occurs at depths of 984-2500 m around the world, other than the eastern Pacific, in tropical and subtropical latitudes. The larvae are similar in overall form to the related bony-eared assfish, but have the 1–4 and 15–20 pectoral-fin rays elongated.