Letharchus velifer Goode & Bean, 1882
Sailfin eel
photo by Zupancic, C.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: North Carolina to northeastern Florida in USA and northeastern Gulf of Mexico.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 135-142. Brown or black head with white markings; uniformly dark brown to black body and tail; white dorsal fin. No anal fin. Anterior nostril hole without raised rim. Suborbital pores 4; linear when viewed from the top (Ref. 27478).
Biology:  Commonly found on scallop grounds.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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