Xyrias chioui McCosker, Chen & Chen, 2009

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  81.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Taiwan, Changbin, Taitang County (Ref. 82687).
Diagnosis:  A moderately elongate species of Xyrias with tail 47% and head 12% of TL; dorsal-fin origin well behind pectoral tips; pectoral fin spatulate, elongate, 5.9 in HL; snout short, 2.7 in jaw; upper jaw elongate, 2.6 in HL; center of eye in anterior 40% of upper jaw; labial cirri and barbels absent; eyes not elevated; head pores minute, supraorbital pores 1+3, infraorbital pores 4+3, preoperculomandibular pores 2+6; teeth numerous, conical, needle-like, biserial on maxilla and uniserial on mandible and vomer; coloration in preservative pale ventrally, becoming brown dorsally, pectoral fins brown, median fins with a thin dark margin. Vertebral formula 19/61/126 (Ref. 82687).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 22 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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