Coral worm eel
📖 Overview
Coral worm eel (Scolecenchelys iredalei) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 20 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 60 metres. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 122 - 129. This species of the Scolecenchelys gymnota species group is distinguished by the following set of characters: head 8.4-10 % TL; tail 51-54 % TL; trunk 34-38 % TL; infraorbital pores 2 at the postorbital area; absence of median ventral groove on the snout; acute snout; rictus of mouth is slightly posterior to a vertical through the posterior margin of the eye; uniserial teeth on jaws and vomer; horizontal distance between dorsal-fin origin and a vertical through mid-anus 3.4-57 % HL; predorsal vertebrae 54-59, preanal 53-56, total vertebrae 122-129; MVF 57-55-126 .: eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Coral worm eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 60 m . Tropical South Africa to Fiji, north to central Honshu Island, Japan, including Australia and the Red Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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