Ahlia egmontis (Jordan, 1884)
Key worm eel
Ahlia egmontis
photo by Wirtz, P.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  43 cm TL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 37 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Florida (USA), Bahamas, and northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. Northwest Atlantic: Canada.
Diagnosis:  Pale tan with scattered tiny spots. Mature individuals darker, with red-brown band at back of head. Dorsal fin origin above or behind anus (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Inhabits seagrass beds from bays and mangroves to offshore reefs. Adults move to open sea to spawn.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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