Narrow-fin snake eel
📖 Overview
Narrow-fin snake eel (Ophichthus pallens) 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 33.6 cm. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 169 - 173. This species is distinguished by the following characters: head 7.7-7.9% TL; tail 61% TL; body depth at gill opening 2.1-2.5% TL; dorsal-fin origin is behind pectoral-fin tip by about two pectoral-fin lengths; pectoral fin is elongate; posterior nostril a hole within upper lip, not visible externally; upper lip with two small but prominent protrusions beneath first infraorbital pore and mid-orbit; supraorbital pores one + three; mandibular pores 5; preopercular pores 2; teeth are small and conical, irregularly biserial on jaws and vomer; total vertebrae169-173, mean vertebral formula 18-64-171. Colouration: uniform tan dorsally and pale ventrally, fins are pale without dark margins .: eel-like; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Narrow-fin snake eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical Northwest Pacific: Japan to China.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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