Aplatophis chauliodus Böhlke, 1956
Fangtooth snake-eel
Aplatophis chauliodus
photo by Sampaio, C.L.S.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  84 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 33 - 91 m
Distribution:  Western Atlantic: Gulf of Mexico to French Guiana.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 110-115. Tip of tail finless externally and pointed; dorsal and anal fins with black margin (Ref. 13608).
Biology:  Occurs near estuaries and in marine waters (Ref. 5217). Assumed to live in permanent or semi-permanent burrows with only snout and eyes exposed, darting to feed on other fishes and crustaceans (Ref. 43686).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Also Ref. 43686.


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