Myrophis vafer Jordan & Gilbert, 1883
Pacific worm eel
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  47 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 15 m
Distribution:  Eastern Pacific: San Pedro in southern California, USA to Peru.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 344-344; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 256-256; Vertebrae: 146-155. Branchiostegal rays: 49.
Biology:  Found in tide pools and on shallow muddy and sandy bottoms. Benthic but not burrowing (Ref 35581). Young are attracted to lights at sea surface. Adults may often be observed near the surface (Ref. 9328).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 22 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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