|
Scolecenchelys castlei McCosker, 2006 Deepwater big-eyed worm eel |
|
|
photo by
McCosker, J.E. |
| Family: | Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae | |||
| Max. size: | 58 cm TL (female) | |||
| Environment: | benthopelagic; marine; depth range 425 - 820 m | |||
| Distribution: | Southwest Pacific: New Zealand. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Diagnosis: Moderately elongate with tail 58-61% of TL; dorsal fin arises slightly behind middle of preanal distance; blunt snout; eye large, 7-10 times in HL with posterior margin behind corner of mouth; eye diameter greater than interorbital distance; small, numerous teeth, conical and biserial anteriorly and uniserial posteriorly on jaws and vomer; color tan dorsally, pale ventrally, sharply delineated along mid-flank, peritoneum dark, anus within a black spot; MVF 32/62/181; total vertebrae 180-186 (Ref. 56887). | |||
| Biology: | ||||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 November 2019 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||