Temperate highfin snake eel
📖 Overview
Temperate highfin snake eel (Ophichthus zophistius) 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 11.5 cm. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is distinguished with the following set of characters: HL 8.8–10.9% TL; tail length 59.3-64.4% TL, relatively broad and tapering slowly; snout is relatively acute, its length 17.3-21.0% HL; preopercular pores 3; teeth on upper jaw uniserial, teeth on vomer generally uniserial; dorsal-fin origin is usually just above or posterior to a vertical through pectoral-fin insertion; anterior dorsal-fin membrane has a distinct dark blotch; cephalic sensory pores margined dark brown, with additional black pit rows on snout, cheek and lower jaw; body with obscure distorted bars (alive and preserved), but sometime faded (less in young specimens); predorsal 10-14 and preanal lateral-line pores 59-64; pectoral-fin rays 14-16; predorsal 11-13, preanal 61-63 and total vertebrae 177-184; mean vertebral formula 12-62-181 .Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Temperate highfin snake eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal. Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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