Lupine snake eel

📖 Overview

Lupine snake eel (Ophichthus lupus) 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 55.6 cm. It occurs at depths between 191 and 237 metres. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 180 - 182. This species is distinguished by the following characters: head 7.8-8.1% TL; tail 58-59%; TL; body depth at gill opening 2.6-3.1% TL; snout 24% HL; posterior nostril opening is above the upper lip, concealed by a broad dermal flap; absence of small papillae on snout, lips and lower jaw, except along inner lip between anterior and posterior nostrils; one + four supraorbital pores; mandibular pores 6 or 7; preopercular pores 2; teeth on maxilla biserial anteriorly and uniserial posteriorly or completely uniserial, vomer uniserial or irregularly uniserial; pectoral fin short, its length 20-25% HL, round in shape; dorsal-fin origin is behind pectoral-fin tip 0.5-0.9 times pectoral-fin length (i.e. horizontal distance from a vertical through gill opening to the origin 1.5-1.9 in the fin length and 0.4 times head length); anal fin clear without a dark colored margin; 13 predorsal vertebrae 13, preanal 68-69, total 180-182 .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Lupine snake eel is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; demersal; depth range 191 - 237 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: East China Sea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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