Neenchelys mccoskeri Hibino, Ho & Kimura, 2012
McCosker’s worm eel
Neenchelys mccoskeri
photo by Ho, H.-C.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  52.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 100 - 400 m
Distribution:  Northwestern Pacific: Taiwan and Japan.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 172-184. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: head 6.4-7.7% TL, tail 57-63% TL; slender body, depth at gill opening 1.5-3.2% TL; a pointed appendage on the posterior rim of anterior nostril; dorsal-fin origin located mid trunk, distance from dorsal-fin origin to a vertical through the anus 46-59% of trunk length; minute pectoral fins, 1.5-4.3% HL; total vertebrae 172-184, predorsal 34-41, preanal 62-68; mean vertebral formula 36.9-65.0-178.7 (Ref. 92296). Description: Color of fresh specimens: head brown anteriorly, body pinkish gray with posterior end of median-fin margins black. The trunk is cylindrical, with tail gradually compressed posteriorly (Ref. 92296).
Biology:  Collected by bottom trawlers (Ref. 92296).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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