| Family: |
Moringuidae (Worm or spaghetti eels) |
| Max. size: |
10.7 cm TL (male/unsexed); 30 cm TL (female) |
| Environment: |
demersal; marine; depth range 12 - 170 m |
| Distribution: |
West Atlantic: western Gulf of Mexico between the mouth of the Mississippi River and the Yucatan Peninsula. |
| Diagnosis: |
Vertebrae: 94-99. This species is distinguished by the following characters: differs from the geographically adjacent Neoconger torrei in the total number of vertebrae, 94-99 (vs. 104-107); differs from N. anaelisae in the number of predorsal vertebrae, 38-44 (vs. 32-34); differs from N. hygomi in the number of predorsal vertebrae 38-44 (vs. 48), preanal vertebrae 43-47 (vs. 55), precaudal vertebrae ca. 50-52 (vs. 58), and total vertebrae 94-99 (vs. 107); differs from N. vermiformis in the number of predorsal vertebrae 38-44 (vs. 34-38), preanal vertebrae 43-47 (vs. 41-44), and precaudal vertebrae ca. 50–52 (vs. 45–ca 49). The larvae have a sharp intestinal loop; with posterior lateral melanophore present, while the anterior ventral melanophore is absent (Ref. 133039). |
| Biology: |
Inhabits offshore banks (Ref. 7251). This area is characterized by predominantly muddy bottoms (Ref. 133039). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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