| Family: |
Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae |
| Max. size: |
60 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 56 m |
| Distribution: |
Indo-Pacific: Mascarenes to Pitcairn (Ref. 41650), north to Japan, south to Australia; Palau in Micronesia. Eastern Pacific: Easter Island. |
| Diagnosis: |
Snout pointed and rat-like (Ref. 48635).
Description: Characterized by white or pinkish to pale tan color dorsally; head length 10.4 in TL; body depth 48 in TL; head and trunk 1.5 times in tail length; no fins; very small eye; long slit in upper lip directed downward below eye, posterior nostril; pointed snout and greatly protruding beyond lower jaw; small and uniserial jaw teeth; ventral gill opening (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
A burrowing species of inshore waters, in soft bottom areas (Ref. 7300, 75154). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Sandy bottoms in 2-18 m (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 06 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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