Author: (Pallas, 1811)
Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1811)
Status in World Register of Marine Species:
Accepted name: Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814) (updated 2009-06-25)
Diagnosis: see genus. Dl VI (V-VII); D2 1 + 14-15 (13-16); A I + 14-15 (12-16); P 18-19 (17-20). Scales in lateral series 59-64 (53-68). Vertebrae 28 (27-29). Colour: greenish-yellow to olive, body with 12-14 irregular brownish vertical bands down sides; small dark spot on lateral midline at base of caudal fin and in upper corner of pectoral fin lobe. Size: to 24.5 cm.
Habitat: inshore, brackish water of estuaries and lagoons, in and near holes among grass roots on mud substrates. Food: small fish (sandsmelt, gobies) and larger crustaceans (such as Leander). Reproduction: April-May (Tuzlov estuaries, Black Sea) or July (Varna), spawning twice. Eggs 2.6 x 0.8 mm, in weed; fecundity 1O,OO0-45,000. Sexually mature at 2 or 3 years. Lifespan: 5 years.
Distribution: Mediterranean, Black Sea and Sea of Azov.
Eggs, larvae and young stages. No data.
Otoliths (sagitta). No data.