Apterichtus gracilis (Kaup, 1856)

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  31.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 75 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Atlantic: Guinea.
Diagnosis:  This species is distinguished by the following characters: tail 1.7, head 14, and body depth 67-100 in total length; preopercular pores 4 pores in supratemporal canal 5; teeth conical and uniserial on jaws and vomer (with 2-3 teeth); color of body in preservative, ochre and slightly darker dorsally; total vertebrae 129-132 (Ref. 101270).
Biology:  Burrows in sand or mud on the continental shelf (Ref. 4455).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 20 October 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.