Common Name
Deviant Snake Eeel
Year Described
McCosker & Böhlke, 1982
Identification
Branchiostegal rays: 18 pairs
Vertebral formula: 23 predorsal, 52 preanal, 144 total
Pectoral Fin: 11
Body elongated, with trunk much longer than caudal region. Body cylindrical anteriorly and compressed posteriorly. Head broadens rearward. Skin loose. Jaws short with a blunt snout. Sensory papillae on snout and tail tip. Anterior nostril a short tube. Posterior nostril covered in flap outside of mouth, above lip, and anterior to eye. Teeth are well developed but very small. Four rows of maxillary teeth. A single row of small median teeth. Two pairs of inter-maxillary teeth. Lower jaw teeth in single row. Gill slit low on side and immediately below pectoral base. Finfolds low but well developed. Dorsal and anal fins not confluent; tail tip a finless point (Ophichthinae). Fins in grooves. Dorsal fin origin behind pectoral tip. Pectoral fins present, moderately developed, and pointed. Eye large and situated slightly behind mid-jaw. Body and head pores minute. Two preopercular pores. Lateral line strongly arches on branchial region and connects with the other side on the top of the head.
Color
Life color unknown. Preserved fish is uniformly pale with microscopic peppering of melanophores on dorsum. There are several diffuse blotches on mid-side that may be diagnostic in life. Eyes dark. fins pale.
Size
Only known specimen measures 28.6cm TL.
Habitat
Captured in deep water (293-366) in a trawl on soft bottoms. Appears to be adapted for living within the substrate.
Range
The holotype was taken in the Lesser Antilles off Grenada.
References
McCosker, J. E., & J.E. Böhlke. 1982. Three new genera and two new species of deepwater western Atlantic snake-eels (Pisces: Ophichthidae). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 113-121.