Pylorobranchus hearstorum McCosker, 2014
Pylorobranchus hearstorum
photo by McCosker, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  121.8 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 892 - 966 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines.
Diagnosis:  This elongate myrophine is distinguished by the following characteristics: tail 66% of TL; dorsal fin arise in the posterior trunk region; dorsal fin is slightly elevated, while anal fin is very elevated; developed, wedge-shaped pectoral fin, about four times eye diameter; moderate eye, 17 in HL; rear margin of orbit is above posterior third of upper jaw; small cephalic pores, SO 1 x 3, IO 5 x 2, POM 7 x 3 (2 right), and ST 3 present; needle-shaped teeth, not enlarged, slightly retrorse, uniserial on jaws and vomer; body color brownish black, median fins grayish black, with anal-fin membrane black posteriorly; vertebral formula 39/66/226 (Ref. 95665).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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