Kusanagi snake eel
📖 Overview
Kusanagi snake eel (Ophichthus kusanagi) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 65.1 cm. It occurs at depths between 285 and 480 metres. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 158 - 163. This species is distinguished by the following characters: head 7.3-9.1% TL; tail 58-60% TL; body depth at gill opening 2.6-3.0% TL; snout 18-20% HL; posterior nostril opening is slightly above upper lip, concealed by a broad dermal flap; mandibular pores 6; preopercular pores 2; teeth on maxilla and vomer biserial; pectoral fin short (length 22–31% HL), its posterodorsal tip pointed, not elongated; dorsal-fin origin is behind pectoral-fin tip 2.0-2.5 times pectoral-fin length (i.e. horizontal distance from a vertical through gill opening to the origin 3.0-3.5 in the fin length and 0.7-1.0 times head length); margin of anal fin not dark-colored margin; pectoral-fin rays 13; total vertebrae 158-163, mean vertebral formula 19-60-160 .Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kusanagi snake eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 285 - 480 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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