Ophichthus Megalops
📖 Overview
Ophichthus Megalops (Ophichthus megalops) 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 33.2 cm. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 160. This moderately elongate species of Ophichthus, subgenus Coecilophis is distinguished by the following characters: tail 55%, head 11.0% of total length and body depth at gill openings about 4% of TL; origin of dorsal-fin 3.5 pectoral-fin lengths behind head which is more than 1 head length behind gill opening; elongate pectoral fins, non-lanceolate; posterior margin or orbit in advance of rictus; posterior nostril a hole above upper lip is covered by a flap; conspicuous head pores, SO 1+4, IO 4+2, POM 3+6; numerous small, conical teeth, biserial on jaws, uniserial posteriorly on vomer, biserial anteriorly; pale in color, slightly darker dorsally, snout tip and lower jaw darker, fins and anterior nostrils pale, posterior region of anal-fin base black; vertebral formula 29/60/160 .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ophichthus Megalops is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range ? - 360 m . Temperate Northwest Pacific: Kumano-nada, off Owase, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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