Ophichthus rex: a new giant snake eel from the Gulf of Mexico (Anguilliformes, Ophichthidae)
Böhlke, E.B.; Caruso, J.H. (1980). Ophichthus rex: a new giant snake eel from the Gulf of Mexico (Anguilliformes, Ophichthidae). Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philad. 132: 239-244
In: Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Academy of Natural Sciences: Philadelphia,. ISSN 0097-3157; e-ISSN 1938-5293, more
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| Keywords |
Gulf of Mexico
Ophichthidae Günther, 1870 [WoRMS]; Ophichthus rex Böhlke & Caruso, 1980 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Böhlke, E.B.
- Caruso, J.H.
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| Abstract |
A large snake eel (Ophichthus rex) from the Gulf of Mexico is described as new. It has 14 or 15 dark bands on the body behind the head, but preserved individuals frequently do not show them. Individuals of this species have been identified with Ophichthus gomesi, but the two differ in: numbers of vertebrae (138-154 in gomesi, 115-119 in rex), number of preopercular pores (2 in gomesi, 3 in rex), number of dentary pores (6 in gomesi, 7 in rex), and preanus distance (34-38% TL in gomesi, 46-51% TL in rex). From the other three West Atlantic species of Ophichthus with bands or saddles (O. spinicauda and two undescribed), O. rex differs in number of vertebrae (the other three with 134-156) |
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