Muraenichthys philippinensis Schultz & Woods, 1949
Philippines worm eel
Muraenichthys philippinensis
photo by Sandra J. Raredon / Smithsonian Institution, NMNH, Div. of Fishes

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  30 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 59 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 128-130. Description: Characterized by origin of dorsal fin posterior to anus by distance about equal to head length; head and trunk slightly longer than tail; posterior nostril outside of mouth; bluntly rounded snout; no pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal fin; soft and flexible tail tip; small and sharp teeth, mostly biserial on upper jaw and uniserial in lower jaw; intermaxillary patch with few teeth; biserial to uniserial vomerine teeth (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Cryptic species, inhabits sandy substrates (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 14 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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