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Xestochilus nebulosus (Smith, 1962) Nebulous snake eel |
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photo by
Allen, G.R. |
| Family: | Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae | |||
| Max. size: | 47 cm SL (male/unsexed) | |||
| Environment: | demersal; marine; depth range 2 - 42 m | |||
| Distribution: | Indo-Pacific. | |||
| Diagnosis: | Description: Characterized by whitish head with black-edged sensory and lateral-line pores, grading to blotchy reddish to dusky brown or blackish on body; whitish fins; head length about 14-15 in TL; body depth 36-45 in TL; origin of dorsal fin well forward on top of head, slightly posterior to corner of mouth; low dorsal and anal fins, about one-third body depth, ending near tip of tail; no pectoral fins; small incurved sharp teeth in single row in jaws; front of upper jaw with two small backward slanting, recumbent canines; four smaller teeth in row behind on intermaxillary and vomer (Ref. 90102). | |||
| Biology: | Inhabits sand and weed bottoms, also in tidepools (Ref 90102). | |||
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435) | |||
| Threat to humans: | harmless | |||