Teleostei (teleosts) >
Anguilliformes (Eels and morays) >
Ophichthidae (Snake eels) > Ophichthinae
Etymology: Rhinophichthus: Greek, rhinos = nose + Greek, ophis = snake + Greek, ichthys = fish; penicillatus: From the sharpened-pencil like appearance of both ends of this eel.
More on author: McCosker.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 435 - 435 m (Ref. 31795). Tropical
Western Pacific: New Caledonia.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ? range ? - ? cm
Max length : 45.7 cm TL (female)
Short description
Identification keys | Morphology | Morphometrics
Vertebrae: 173. Pale-colored, slightly darker dorsally; pale fins. Large eyes. Origin of dorsal fin behind pectoral tips. Pectorals small and paddle-shaped. Small teeth, conical and uniserial. Mean vertebral formula 12-54-173. Tail 66-67% of total length.
Body shape (shape guide): eel-like; Cross section: circular.
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
Tools
Special reports
Download XML
Internet sources
