Mekong’s estuary snake eel

📖 Overview

Mekong’s estuary snake eel (Ophichthus cuulongensis) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 99.8 cm. It occurs at depths between 8 and 20 metres. With a trophic level of 4.1, it is a mid-level predator.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 199 - 207. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: occipital not convex prominently, dorsal of snout with median shallow groove, reaching to interorbital pore; three or more shallow wrinkles (usually 3) on posterior part of eye; body with numerous longitudinal wrinkles, also prominent on abdomen; head length 5.2-6.2% TL; tail length 65.4-68.8% TL; two protrusions along upper lip from each side (some paratypes 1 on one side); dorsal-fin origin slightly behind pectoral-fin tip; SO 1 + 3, POM 5 (or rarely 6) + 2; teeth small (but larger in intermaxillary and anterior vomer); body dark brown, paler abdomen; dark-margined dorsal fin, anal fin initially pale but in posterior part with faded dark margin, the area more than two head length; total vertebrae 199-207, MVF 14-62-202 .: eel-like; Cross section: circular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Mekong’s estuary snake eel is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Mekong’s estuary snake eel is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Mekong’s estuary snake eel is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 8 - 20 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Vietnam.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute