Ophichthus bicolor McCosker & Ho, 2015
Bicolored snake eel
photo by McCosker & Ho, 2015

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  92.7 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 200 - 400 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Taiwan.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 155-163. This moderately elongate species is distinguished by the following characters: tail 53-58%, head 8.6-10.8%, and body depth at gill opening 2.5-3.4% of total length; dorsal-fin origin is behind the gill opening by 2.0-2.5 pectoral-fin lengths; pectoral fin pointed, not elongate; the posterior nostril is a hole above the upper lip, covered by a flap that extends slightly below the edge of the mouth; upper lip without barbels; pores are small but conspicuous, SO 1+4, IO 4+2, POM 6+2; teeth are large and conical, biserial anteriorly on vomer and maxillary, uniserial on mandible; body yellowish-tan, strongly contrasting with white throat and belly, the fins pale; total vertebrae 155-163, mean vertebral formula 18-64-158 (Ref. 106143).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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