| Family: |
Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae |
| Max. size: |
29.2 cm TL (female) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 370 - 440 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Atlantic Ocean: North Carolina, USA. |
| Diagnosis: |
This moderately elongate species is distinguished by the following: tail 58% and head 9.6% of total length; dorsal-fin origin is above the pectoral fins; elongated pectoral fins, filamentous dorsally; large eyes, the center behind middle of upper jaw; posterior nostril covered by a flap; head pores apparent, SO 1 + 4, IO 4 + 2, POM 6 + 2; teeth are small, conical, and slightly recurved, numerous and close-set; uniserial on vomer and mandible, biserial on maxillary, the inner row larger; pale color, overlain on mid-flank by a dark band; vertebral formula 13/60/153 (Ref. 75745).. |
| Biology: |
Collection assumed to be over soft substrates, the tow was usually no farther than 300-400 m from known coral habitat. Captured during the trawl included species typical of slope habitat (14 species dominated by Laemonema barbatulum and Helicolenus dactylopterus) and invertebrates (Ref. 75745). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 06 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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