| Family: |
Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 120 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Marshall Islands (Ref. 2334); reported from the Hawaiian Islands (Ref. 58302) and Marqueses (Ref. 101270). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Light tan with fine brown spots on head and throat (Ref. 3972). Lacks fins altogether (Ref. 1602).
Description: Characterized by head length 13-14 in TL; body depth 60-72 in TL; tail length 1.8-1.9 in TL; uniserial jaws and vomer teeth; hard tip of tail; without fins; posterior nostril opening externally with flap; tubular anterior nostril; minute papillae covering head and snout (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
Benthic (Ref. 58302). Forms congregations in confined sandy areas of sandy bottoms (Ref. 30874) where it buries itself using its pointed snout or its bony, sharp tail. May feed on small fishes, crabs, and prawns (Ref. 30874). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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