Ophichthus polyophthalmus Bleeker, 1864
Many-eyed snake-eel
Ophichthus polyophthalmus
photo by Greenfield, J.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  62.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 2 - 25 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marquesas Islands.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 141-148. Pale red salmon in color, yellow spots on head, yellowish ocelli with dark margins on body (Ref. 3972). Gill opening ventral (Ref. 37816). Description: Characterized by head length 10.5 in TL; depth of body about 22 in TL; dorsal fin origin slightly anterior to middle of pectoral fin; conical teeth, uniserial in jaws and vomer (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits sand near coral reefs (Ref. 37816, 48635). Also found in rubble bottoms in 2-25 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 03 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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