Teleostei (teleosts) >
Anguilliformes (Eels and morays) >
Ophichthidae (Snake eels) > Ophichthinae
Etymology: Ophichthus: Greek, ophis = serpent + Greek, ichthys = fish (Ref. 45335); exourus: Named for its tapered point.
More on author: McCosker.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 400 - 520 m (Ref. 31795). Deep-water
Western Pacific: New Caledonia and Fiji.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 66.9 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 31795); 59.0 cm TL (female)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Vertebrae: 176 - 177. Similar in appearance to O. aphotistos but this species have a more posterior dorsal fin origin, above the 20th - 21st vertebrae, uniserial mandibular teeth, and more vertebrae, 176-177 (Ref. 40865).
Body shape (shape guide): eel-like.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
McCosker, J.E., 1999. Pisces Anguilliformes: deepwater snake eels (Ophichthidae) from the New Caledonia region, Southwest Pacific Ocean. p. 571-588. In A. Crosnier (ed.) Résultats des Campagnes Musorstom, Volume 20. Mémoires du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle: 180. (Ref. 31795)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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