Aplatophis zorro McCosker & Robertson, 2001
Snaggle-toothed snake-eel
photo by Robertson, R.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  103.9 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 5 - 10 m
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Panama.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 120-120. Stout ophichthid with nearly uniform gray or brown coloration, overlain on head with a prominent pattern of small white spots; depth 23 times in TL; head large, 6.7 times in TL; dorsal fin arises well behind pectoral fin tips; pectoral fins not elongate, rounded; eye small; jaw elongate, the lower projecting; nostrils tiny, in upper lip; jaw teeth conical, some enlarged as fangs anteriorly, biserial in jaws and uniserial in vomer (Ref. 43686).
Biology:  Assumed to live in permanent or semi-permanent burrows with only snout and eyes exposed, darting to feed on other fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 43686).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 22 May 2007 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.