Ophichthus Microstictus

📖 Overview

Ophichthus Microstictus (Ophichthus microstictus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 48.9 cm. It occurs at depths between 200 and 450 metres. With a trophic level of 3.9, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Vertebrae: 151 - 156. This moderately elongate species of Ophichthus, subgenus Coecilophis is distinguished by the following characters: tail 57-59% and head 11% of total length; origin of dorsal-fin slightly ahead of pectoral-fin tips; moderately elongate pectoral fins, wedge-shaped, is shorter than jaw; posterior nostril a hole in upper lip and is covered by a flap; minute, inconspicuous head pores, SO 1+4, IO 4+2, POM 2-3+6; small, conical and numerous teeth, uniserial on vomer, mandible and anterior and posterior portions of maxillary, which are irregularly biserial; pale in color, slightly darker dorsally, irregular faint white patches beneath lateral midline, all fins pale; mean vertebral formula 13/56/154, total vertebrae 151-156 .: eel-like.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Ophichthus Microstictus is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Ophichthus Microstictus is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Ophichthus Microstictus is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 200 - 450 m . Deep-water Central Pacific: off Tonga, Fiji, and possibly New Caledonia.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

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