Ichthyapus insularis McCosker, 2004
Ichthyapus insularis
photo by McCosker, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  42.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 1 m
Distribution:  Southeast Atlantic: known only from Acension Is.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 121-126. An elongate finless species of sphagebranchin (sensu McCosker 1977)ophichthine with: tail 57-60% and head 9- 11% of total length; 4 preopercular pores and 5 pores in supratemporal canal; teeth conical, uniserial on jaws and vomer; body mostly colorless in preservative; and mean vertebral formula -45-123.5, total vertebrae 121-126.
Biology:  Collected among rocks and sand.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 25 July 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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