The wrinkled snake eel[2] (Ophichthus rugifer) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[3] It was described by David Starr Jordan and Charles Harvey Bollman in 1890.[4] It is a marine, tropical eel which is known from the eastern central and southeastern Pacific Ocean, including the Galapagos Islands and the Cocos Islands. It is also speculated to occur in Malpelo Island.[3] It is known to dwell at a depth of 200 metres (660 ft), and inhabits sediments of sand and rubble.[2] Males can reach a maximum total length of 68 centimetres (27 in).[3]
| Wrinkled snake eel | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Ophichthidae |
| Genus: | Ophichthus |
| Species: | O. rugifer
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| Binomial name | |
| Ophichthus rugifer | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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The species epithet "rugifer" is Latin in origin, and refers to the longitudinal striations that can be easily observed on larger specimens.[3] Due to a lack of known threats and observed population decline, the IUCN redlist currently lists the Wrinkled snake-eel as Least Concern.[2]
References edit
- ^ Synonyms of Ophichthus rugifer at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ a b c Ophichthus rugifer at the IUCN redlist.
- ^ a b c d Ophichthus rugifer at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ Jordan, D. S. and C. H. Bollman, 1890 (5 Feb.) [ref. 2433] Descriptions of new species of fishes collected at the Galapagos Islands and along the coast of the United States of Colombia, 1887-'88. In: Scientific results of explorations by the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Proceedings of the United States National Museum v. 12 (no. 770): 149-183.
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