Equatorial eel
📖 Overview
Equatorial eel (Apterichtus equatorialis), first described by Myers & Wade, 1941 is a medium-sized fish in the family Ophichthidae (order Anguilliformes). Adults typically reach 31.20 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 10 to 134 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished by the following characters: tail 1.8-2.0, head 11-16, and body depth 43-50 in total length; preopercular pores 3 and pores in supratemporal canal 3; teeth conical and uniserial on jaws and vomer; vomerine teeth 4-5; body coloration when preserved is uniform light tan, overlain with fine sparse brown speckling, branchial region and top of head with irregular small dark spots and blotches; MVF 59138, 132-146 total vertebrae .: eel-like; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Equatorial eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 10 - 134 m . Tropical; 29°N - 1°S
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apterichtus gymnocelus | Böhlke | 1953 | Synonym |
| Caecula equatorialis | Myers & Wade | 1941 | Synonym |
| Caecula gymnocelus | Böhlke | 1953 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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