Ophichthus ishiyamorum McCosker, 2010
photo by McCosker, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  43.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 258 - 400 m
Distribution:  Off the Gulf of Aden, Somalia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 130-132. This stout species of Ophichthus, subgenus Coecilophis is distinguished by the following characters: tail 52-55% and head 14-15% of total length; origin of dorsal-fin in front of pectoral-fin base; wedge-shaped pectoral fins; posterior nostril in upper lip is covered by a flap; inconspicuous head pores, SO 1+4, IO 4+2, POM 3+7-9; small, conical and widely-spaced teeth, nearly uniserial on vomer and jaws; uniform tan in color, fins pale; mean vertebral formula 15/50/131, total vertebrae 130-132 (Ref. 84366).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 04 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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