|
Ophichthus altipennis (Kaup, 1856) Highfin snake eel |
|
|
|
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
| Family: | Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae | |||
| Max. size: | 120 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 2 - 20 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Vertebrae: 177-179. Color tan to brown; larger specimens becoming darker above lateral midline and its median fins with black margin; pectoral fins dark; those of smaller specimens may be clear. A prominent pale spot before eye and a smaller pale spot on snout above anterior nostril. Barbels prominent along ventral margin of upper lip; one beneath the anterior margin of the eye, the other midway between it and the base of the anterior nostril. Dorsal fin elevated , its origin just above or slightly in advance of gill openings. Pectoral fins elongate, 2.4-2.8 HL.Description: Characterized by conical teeth in single row in jaws (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | A benthic (Ref. 75154) and burrowing species which occurs over soft bottoms of inshore waters (Ref. 7300, 75154). Feeds on cephalopodes, crustaceans and small fishes (Ref. 89972). Solitary in sand, often with head protruding (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||