Ophichthus alleni McCosker, 2010
Ophichthus alleni
photo by Graham, K.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  76 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 115 - 200 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Australia.
Diagnosis:  This stout species of Ophichthus, subgenus Coecilophis is distinguished by the following characters: tail 57% and head 12% of total length; origin of dorsal-fin above pectoral-fin base; small, rounded pectoral fins; posterior nostril in upper lip is covered by a flap; minute, numerous head pores, SO 1+4, IO 4+3, POM 3+9-10; small and pointed teeth, none elongate, uniserial on mandible and posterior half of vomer, biserial on maxillary; pale in color, slightly darker dorsally, median fins pale; mean vertebral formula 11/52.5/132, total vertebrae 131-133 (Ref. 84366).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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