Ophichthus kailashchandrai Mohapatra, Ray, Mohanty & Mishra, 2020
Kailash Chandra’s snake eel

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  46.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: India, West Bengal.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 180-182. This medium-sized species is distinguished by the following characters: preanal length 2.6-2.8 in TL; dorsal fin origin above posterior third of pectoral fin; pectoral fin well developed; posterior nostril is a hole in the upper lip opening towards the mouth, covered by a flap; a single barbel between anterior and posterior nostrils; teeth moderately elongated, conical and sharp; vomerine teeth start with single tooth, followed by two rows of biserial teeth and uniserial thereafter; maxillary and mandibular teeth uniserial throughout; 4 intermaxillary teeth in two rows; vertebrae: predorsal 14-15, preanal 54-55, total 180-182 (Ref. 121592).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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