Manetail snake eel
📖 Overview
Manetail snake eel (Ophichthus urolophus) 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 61.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 134 - 139. This moderately elongate species of Ophichthus, subgenus Coecilophis is distinguished by the following characters: tail 53-58%, head 11-13% of total length and depth at gill opening 4.0-4.8% of TL; origin of dorsal-fin slightly behind pectoral-tips; pectoral fins spatulate, non-elongate and slightly less than length; large eyes, posterior margin of orbit ahead of rictus; posterior nostril a hole in upper lip and covered by a flap; small, inconspicuous head pores, SO 1+3, IO 4+2, POM 2-3+6-7 (usually 3+7); small, conical teeth, uniserial on mandible and vomer, few anterior teeth on maxillary; color tan on flanks and dorsum, pale ventrally, all fins and anterior nostrils pale, chin and snout dusky; mean vertebral formula 16.2/54.0/136.5, total vertebrae 134-139 .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Manetail snake eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Tropical
🌿 Ecology
benthic animals (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Manetail Snake Eel |
| 🌍CES | hadař protažený |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Susoumihebi · スソウミヘビ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 硬骨篡 · 裙鰭蛇鰻 · 裾鰭蛇鰻 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conger urolophus | Temminck & Schlegel | 1846 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
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