Chilean worm eel
📖 Overview
Chilean worm eel (Scolecenchelys chilensis) 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 28.4 cm. It occurs at depths between 3 and 35 metres. With a trophic level of 4, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 148 - 152. This species of the Scolecenchelys gymnota species group is distinguished by the following set of characters: head 8.9-9.7 % TL; tail 53-56 % TL; trunk 36-38 % TL; body depth 1.9-2.2 % TL; horizontal distance between dorsal-fin origin and a vertical through mid-anus 38-60 % ; with a prominent median groove, ventral on snout; teeth on jaws and vomerine in a single row; predorsal vertebrae 66-68, preanal 62-64, and total vertebrae148-152; MVF 67-62-150 .: eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Chilean worm eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 3 - 35 m . Subtropical; 25°S - 35°S, 83°W - 76°W Southeast Pacific: Desventuradas Is.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muraenichthys chilensis | McCosker | 1970 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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