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Ophichthus rex Böhlke & Caruso, 1980 King snake eel |
| Family: | Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae | |||
| Max. size: | 211 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 24 kg | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range - 64 m | |||
| Distribution: | Western Atlantic: northern Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas in USA. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Very large, TL 2.4 m; dorsal fin origin well behind tip of pectoral fin; 14-15 dark olive-brown, saddle-shaped markings along back. Dorsal and anal fins striped at bases, pectoral fin darker on dorsal half (Ref. 26938). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits offshore water from 15-365 m depth. Commonly caught by anglers near oil rigs. | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 August 2011 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||