Callechelys papulosa McCosker, 1998
Blistered snake eel
Callechelys papulosa
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  55.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 10 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 215-215. Description: Characterized by black color except white patches behind eye, on jaws and snout; head length 17 in TL; body depth 61 in TL; short tail, 2.7 in TL; dorsal fin origin well posterior to corner of mouth; no pectoral fins; anterior head with numerous small pits; small and conical teeth; intermaxilla with four teeth in ventral groove under snout; remaining teeth of jaws and vomer is uniserial (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Taken at 10 m depth over a silty sand and sparse sea grass bottom (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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