Cá Bơn Lưỡi Trâu Dài

Adults live mainly in shallow muddy and sandy bottoms of the continental shelf, sometimes entering estuaries and tidal rivers (Ref. 1479, 48637). Usually deeply buried in the substrate during the day, but out and hunting at night (Ref. 48637). They feed mainly on benthic invertebrates. Marketed mostly fresh and frozen; also dried-salted (Ref. 9895).

Specimen 1 (deformed): The specimen measured 30.5 cm in length and exhibited pronounced caudal deformity with fin regeneration. The deformity appeared to result from a prior transverse injury that led to the partial loss of the original caudal fin structure (Figure 2 e). However, the newly formed caudal region lacked the typical symmetrical tapering characteristics of intact specimens. The abrupt termination of the body resulted in a decrease in the total number of mid-lateral line scales (84) and the regenerated caudal fin displayed an increase in the number of fin rays (16) compared to the normal specimens (10). Further examination using X-ray radiography revealed significant skeletal alterations, including a vertebral column termination resulting in a reduced vertebral count (49) relative to con-specific (Figure 3 d). Specimen 2 (deformed): This specimen measured 33 cm in total length and exhibited a notable morphological anomaly in the caudal region (Figure 2 f), similar to that observed in Specimen 1. However, unlike the previous specimen, the regenerated caudal fin in this individual was structurally more complex, featuring two accessory fins joined on each lateral side of the main caudal fin. The regenerated specimens showed a reduced number of mid-lateral line scales and a marked increase in the total number of caudal fin rays (including accessory rays), compared to normal specimens. X-ray radiography of this specimen also revealed fusion of vertebrae in the caudal region and this affected the normal segmentation of the vertebral column, leading to a reduction in the total vertebral count to 51 (Figure 3 e).