Orange blotched eel
📖 Overview
Orange blotched eel (Apterichtus hatookai) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 53.4 cm. It occurs at depths between 4 and 7 metres. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished by the following characters: head 5.1-6.1 % TL, 13.3-16.0 % of preanal length; tail 60.4-62.0 % TL; body depth at gill opening 0.9-1.5 % TL, 2.3-3.8 % of preanal length; the anterior tip of the lower jaw is below the center of the eye; supratemporal pores 7; preopercular pores 4; lateral-line pores before anus 54-58; preanal vertebrae 52-56, total 137-141; MVF 54-139 ; teeth conical and uniserial on jaws and vomer (with a single vomerine tooth); body coloration is yellowish brown to dark brown with small black punctuations, pale brown blotches on head and breast; with fresh specimens have reddish brown blotches, slightly paler along mid-flanks, brilliant orange blotches on head and breast, some larger than eye .: eel-like; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Orange blotched eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 4 - 7 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan and China (SE Fujian).
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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