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Ophichthid eel genus Aplatophis includes two species restricted to the New World, one distributed in the western Atlantic (A. chauliodus) and the other in the tropical eastern Pacific (A. zorro). Aplatophis zorro is a little-known species that was described in Panama, Gulf of San Miguel, from the collection of a single mature male. This work constitutes the first record of the species in Colombian waters and extends its geographical distribution to more than 483 km south on the American continent. In addition, some morphometric variation of the species, which was only known from the Panamanian holotype, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characters and distribution pattern of the snake eel, Bascanichthys deraniyagalai is debatable during the past half-century. Thus, the species is re-described herewith by morphometry, vertebrae, and molecular data. In recent Chilika expedition in India, we have collected 10 specimens and observed a vertebral count dimorphism. The present study distinctly detected two vertebral groups of B. deraniyagalai: first group with 5 predorsal vertebrae, 81–83 preanal vertebrae, 190–196 total vertebrae in females; however, the sex of the second group with 5 predorsal vertebrae, 72–74 preanal vertebrae, 176–178 total vertebrae was not able to confirm. Further, the molecular data of morphologically identified two distinct groups of B. deraniyagalai shows negligible Kimura 2 parameter genetic divergence and cohesive clustering in Neighbor-Joining phylogeny proved to be the two different morphs of the same species. Hence, the present study indicated there might be vertebral count or sexual dimorphism in B. deraniyagalai, which need further sampling and taxonomic revision to unwrap the fact.

Morphological characters and distribution pattern of the snake eel, Bascanichthys deraniyagalai is debatable during the past half-century. Thus, the species is re-described herewith by morphometry, vertebrae, and molecular data. In recent Chilika expedition in India, we have collected 10 specimens and observed a vertebral count dimorphism. The present study distinctly detected two vertebral groups of B. deraniyagalai: first group with 5 predorsal vertebrae, 81–83 preanal vertebrae, 190–196 total vertebrae in females; however, the sex of the second group with 5 predorsal vertebrae, 72–74 preanal vertebrae, 176–178 total vertebrae was not able to confirm. Further, the molecular data of morphologically identified two distinct groups of B. deraniyagalai shows negligible Kimura 2 parameter genetic divergence and cohesive clustering in Neighbor-Joining phylogeny proved to be the two different morphs of the same species. Hence, the present study indicated there might be vertebral count or sexual dimorphism in B. deraniyagalai, which need further sampling and taxonomic revision to unwrap the fact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite of its major zoogeographical interest, the biological diversity of central Atlantic oceanic islands are still poorly known because of its remoteness. Incomplete species inventories are a hindrance to macroecology and conservation because knowledge on species distribution are important for identifying patterns and processes in biodiversity and for conservation planning. Records of the snake-eel family Ophichthidae for the St. Peter and St. Paul's Archipelago, Brazil, are presented for the first time after revision of material collected and deposited in a museum collection 37 yrs ago. Specimens of Apterichtus kendalli and Herpetoichthys regius were collected using rotenone on sand bottoms and one Myrichthys sp. was observed and photographed swimming over a rocky reef. Remarkably, these species were not seen or collected in the St. Peter and St. Paul's Archipelago ever since despite the substantial increase of biological expeditions over the past two decades, suggesting that the unjustified rotenone sampling prohibition in Brazil is hindering advancement of the nation's biological diversity knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eel larvae (leptocephali) are rarely studied extensively both spatially and temporally, and detailed illustrations of most species are limited. This study uses the unique research reported in the monograph of Blache (Leptocéphales des poissons anguilliformes dans la zone sud du golfe de Guinée. ORSTOM Faune Tropicale 10:1-381, 1977, in French) to describe and evaluate the species composition, abundance, life history characteristics and morphology of 10,284 anguilliform leptocephali collected throughout the year during 15 ichthyoplankton surveys (1960-1971) in relation to regional oceanography. Leptocephali of 70 species of 7 families were described, with Ophichthidae (26 species), Muraenidae (13), and Congridae (13) being the most diverse, and local spawning indicated by ≥ 34 species. Larvae of biogeographically restricted Heterencheylidae eels (mud eels) were abundant along the continental shelf and 5 species comprised 35% of total catches. Their larval distributions may reflect adult depth-segregation from nearshore/estuaries to the outer shelf and slope and larval retention. Nettastomatid leptocephali of Hoplunnis punctata were the most abundant species, and Rhynchoconger sp., Uroconger syringinus, Chlopsis olokun, and Dalophis boulengeri were also abundant. Small leptocephali distributions indicated spawning occurred over or near the continental shelf, and length-frequency data indicated most spawning was during the November-May warm-water season. Detailed morphology illustrations showed the characteristics of all stages of larvae. The Gulf of Guinea eel fauna is not diverse compared to the Indo-Pacific possibly due to phylogeography and a lack of coral reef habitats and the unusual low-latitude seasonal influx of cold surface waters, but is unique in being the worldwide center of distribution of the burrowing eels of the Heterencheylidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first genetic identification of eggs of four species of Anguilliformes caught in the northern East China Sea during August 2016, where leptocephali and adults have been collected. The species were Ophisurus macrorhynchos and Echelus uropterus belonging to the Ophichthidae, and Ariosoma majus and Gnathophis heterognathos belonging to the Congridae. The eggs were identified using three molecular genetic markers (mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1), sequences obtained from local adult specimens, and geographical distribution data. All eggs were in the early or middle developmental stages. For all species except A. majus, the eggs were found near the range of small leptocephali in the East China Sea and the southern Korean Peninsula, which indicates these species had spawned along the continental near these areas during the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An old museum specimen of the rare deep-sea species Ophichthus exourus McCosker, 1999 (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) (685 mm in total length) collected near Saipan and a recently collected example from Okinawa, Japan (634 mm in total length) represent the first Northern Hemisphere records of the species, previously known only from the southwestern Pacific in waters off New Caledonia and Fiji, but now believed to be widely distributed in the western Pacific Ocean. A detailed morphological observation based on the above specimens and a re-examination of the holotype resulted in a revision of some species characteristics, including the number of infraorbital pores. Ophichthus exourus is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: head 8.3-10.0% of total length; upper jaw 36.1-38.1% of head length; pectoral-fin rounded, length 19.2-24.1% of head length; rear margin of eye above or slightly behind rictus; eye diameter 44.4-61.2% of snout length; horizontal length of posterior nostril dermal flap much greater than diameter of anterior nostril tube; gill opening to dorsal-fin origin greater than twice pectoral-fin length; preopercular pores 2; predorsal and total vertebrae 20-21 and 173-177, respectively; lower-jaw teeth nearly uniserial; body without bands or spots; posteriormost portion (much shorter than head length) of anal-fin membrane indistinct darkish brown. A new standard Japanese name "Gunbai-umihebi" is proposed for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper represents an additional and unusual record of the long jaw snake eel, Ophisurus serpens (Osteichthyes: Ophichthidae) in the Lagoon of Bizerte, a brackish area located in northern Tunisia. The specimen measured 1890 mm in total length and weighed 1096 g, it is described in the present paper including morphometric measurements and meristic counts. This specimen is the third well-documented record of O. serpens in the area, and the second in a peri-Mediterranean lagoon. This unusual capture is commented and discussed, and the use of the local ecological knowledge allows to assess the status of O. serpens in the area, where further records are needed prior to conclude about a successful establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muraenichthys gymnopterus (Bleeker, 1853) is reported for the first time from seven specimens collected from the Shankarpur fishing harbour (West Bengal), Visakhapatnam fishing harbour (Andhra Pradesh), and Chilika lagoon (Odisha). This paper reports Muraenichthys gymnopterus for the first time from the east coast of India as well as from Chilika lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Machida's snake eel, Ophichthus machidai McCosker, Ide et Endo, 2012, is reported for the first time from the coasts of Bay of Bengal, India. Four specimens (396-457 mm total length) were collected from the Shankarpur fishing harbour, Digha, West Bengal. Principal morphological characters were determined and the specimen was illustrated and described. The species was previously restricted to the northern Pacific Ocean and now is reported for the first time from the Indian coast of the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological analysis of recently collected specimens of the slender finless eelApterichtus anguiformis(26 specimens) and the European finless eelApterichtus caecus(14 specimens) in waters off the coast of Sardinia (central-western Mediterranean) confirmed their distinction from each other. Analysis also revealed a pronounced difference in mouth length inA. anguiformisfrom Sardinian waters when compared to the holotype and published data. To clarify their taxonomic status, morphological characteristics of the finless eels were analysed using morphometric and meristic characters. The morphometric differences between species were mainly related to the position of the anus and to cranial-related characters. Variation in meristic traits revealed differences in the number of operculum and pre-anal pores as well as the number of total vertebrae. Finally, we were able to capture specimens of these rare species using experimental trawl fishing gear, in which the entire cod-end was covered with a fine mesh net size of 8 mm; this sampling approach would be a good sampling method for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We document the 1st records of the Pacific Snake Eel, Ophichthus triserialis, from washed-up specimens on the coast of Oregon. One specimen, with a damaged head region, was found near a public beach in Lincoln City, Lincoln County, Oregon, on 21 January 2017. We discuss another specimen found on a beach near Bandon, Coos County, Oregon, in March 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of snake eel, Suculentophichthus nasus, is described on the basis of a single specimen collected with a beach seine in 0.5-1 m depth at the northern beach of Eilat, Israel, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. The new genus is characterized within the subfamily Ophichthinae by the tail which is much longer than the head and trunk; median fins low; origin of dorsal fin well in advance of pectoral-fin base; lower part of pectoral-fin base arising opposite upper one-fourth of gill opening, and occupying the upper one third of gill opening; gill openings sublateral, elongate, nearly vertical and crescentic, shorter than isthmus; eye moderately developed, its center above posterior third of upper jaw, its posterior margin well in advance of rictus; jaws moderately developed, lower jaw fits into upper jaw; snout conical, tapering evenly, its tip rounded; underside of snout with a median sulcus exposing the teeth in advance of the anterior nostril bases; anterior nostrils within short tubes; a large, succulent-leaf shaped flap behind anterior nostril; posterior nostril a hole above upper lip; teeth conical, erect, numerous, and small, anteriorly biserial and posteriorly uniserial on maxillary and biserial on mandible; a series of 6 vomerine teeth; and two preopercular pores. The new species is compared with other species of the subfamily and a key to the ophichthine eels of the Red Sea is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of worm eel (family Ophichthidae: subfamily Myrophinae), Mixomyrophis longidorsalis sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen [77.0 mm in total length (TL)] collected from the Red Sea. The new species is similar to Mixomyrophis pusillipinna, its only congener, in preanal and total vertebral counts. However, the former species can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter trunk (22.3 % TL vs. 28.4 %), shorter predorsal length (16.3 % TL vs. 23.1 %), more numerous counts of lateral-line pores before gill opening (12 vs. 9), and predorsal vertebrae (22 vs. 33). The holotype of M. longidorsalis is considered to be a juvenile, having grown from metamorphosis due to the following information: it is presumed that M. pusillipinna metamorphoses at 65-80 mm TL and the sizes at metamorphosis of congeneric myrophines are almost the same; the holotype of M. longidorsalis lacks larval pigmentation on its body and has numerous pale dots on the surface of the body. Although the lateral-line system of the holotype does not reach the level of mid-anus, it is unclear whether the holotype shows the adult condition. This new species extends the range of Mixomyrophis to include Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A little known species of snake eel, Ophichthus lithinus (Jordan et Richardson, 1908), is reported for the first time from the east coast of India, Bay of Bengal based on two specimens 632 and 720 mm in total length, collected respectively at Digha, West Bengal and Kalpakam, Tamil Nadu, India. This is the first attempt to provide a detailed description of the species from the Indian Ocean. The presently reported findings constitute an extension of the known distributional range of this species from the Western Pacific to the eastern coast of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of snake eel (family Ophichthidae, subfamily Ophichthinae), Apterichtus hatookai, is described based on the 478.5 mm holotype and three paratypes, 265.0-519.4 mm in total length (TL), collected from the Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of Shikoku Island and central Honshu Island, Japan. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners, except for Apterichtus monodi and Apterichtus orientalis, by having seven supratemporal pores. The new species is distinguishable from A. monodi by having a longer tail (60.4-62.0 % TL vs. 57.4-60.2 %), four preopercular pores (vs. three), fewer lateral-line pores before the anus (54-58 vs. 63-68), and fewer total vertebrae (137-141 vs. 142-151). Apterichtus hatookai differs from A. orientalis in having a shorter head (5.1-6.1 % TL vs. 7.1-8.1 %; 13.3-16.0 % of preanal length vs. 16.2-18.0 %), a longer tail (60.4-62.0 % TL vs. 54.8-56.0 %), lower body depth at gill opening (0.9-1.5 % TL vs. 1.8-1.9; 2.3-3.8 % of preanal length vs. 4.1-4.2 %), more numerous total vertebrae (137-141 vs. 131-133), and by the anterior tip of the lower jaw below the center of the eye (vs. anterior to a vertical through anterior margin of eye). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaupichthys atronasus Schultz, 1953 is recorded from two specimens from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Phyllophichthus xenodontus Gosline, 1951 is recorded from two specimens collected from Egypt. Geographic variation in this species is discussed. Gorgasia preclara Böhlke & Randall, 1981 is recorded from a photograph taken of a live individual at Dahab, Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rare worm eel Muraenichthys macrostomus Bleeker 1864 is redescribed as a valid species belonging to the genus Skythrenchelys Castle and McCosker 1999. Although the existence of the holotype of M. macrostomus has been hitherto considered as unknown, we have determined that Bleeker specimen BMNH 1867.11.28.313 is the holotype. It has large recurved teeth, a large unconstricted gill opening, and the orbit located anterior to midjaw, diagnostic characters of the genus Skythrenchelys. Because the morphological characters of the holotype agree well with those of Skythrenchelys lentiginosa Castle and McCosker 1999, we consider the former species to be a senior synonym of the latter. Most museum specimens currently labeled as M. macrostomus are not identifiable with S. macrostoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of worm eel (Ophichthidae, subfamily Myrophinae), Scolecenchelys fuscogularis, is described from two specimens collected at 90-147 m depth off the coast of Japan. The new species is characterized by its dorsal-fin origin, which is located posterior to a vertical through the anus, its high total number of vertebrae (146-149), and its uniserial dentition on jaws and vomer. The new species is similar to Scolecenchelys australis and Scolecenchelys tasmaniensis in having 148-152 total and 60-61 preanal vertebrae and its uniserial teeth, but can be distinguished from the latter two species as it has a larger head [8.5-8.8 % of total length (TL) vs. 7.8-8.3 %], a longer trunk (39 % TL vs. 34-35 %), and a shorter tail (52-53 % TL vs. 56-58 %). Although S. fuscogularis most resembles Scolecenchelys chilensis in having 146-159 total and 59-64 preanal vertebrae and uniserial teeth, as well as in the proportions of the head, trunk and tail, the new species differs from the latter in having a smaller head (8.5-8.8 % TL vs. 8.9-9.7 %), a more slender body (body depth 1.5-1.6 % TL vs. 2.3-2.9 %), a more posterior dorsal-fin origin (horizontal distance between the origin and a vertical through the anus 83 % of head length vs. 36-54 %), no groove on the ventral side of its snout, and a dark lower jaw with a patch of melanophores on the ventral side of its branchial basket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of ophichthid leptocephali were identified using 12S rDNA sequences, and their morphological descriptions were first provided based on six individuals (S1–S3, M1, and E1–E2) collected from the East Sea and the Korea Strait between September 2008 and October 2010. Mitochondrial 12S rDNA 859–861 base pairs of ophichthid leptocephali were compared with those of 16 ophichthids adult and 2 outgroups (Anguilla japonica and Conger myriaster). Leptocephali of S1 and E1 were very closely clustered with adult of Scolecenchelys borealis (D=0.002) and Echelus uropterus (D=0.000), respectively. However, leptocephali of S2–S3 and M1 were slightly far clustered with leptocephalus of S1 (D=0.006) and adult of Muraenichthys gymnopterus (0.034), respectively. We believe that S1 and E1 are S. borealis and E. uropterus, respectively, in which the former is unrecorded species in Korea. However, S2–S3 and M1 may be undescribed species belonging to genus Scolecenchelys and Muraenichthys, respectively, because total numbers of myomeres for S2–S3 (148–158) and M1 (151) were not consistent with total numbers of vertebrae or distribution for any adult of Scolecenchelys spp. and Muraenichthys spp. in the world. We propose the new Korean name ‘Dong-hae-mul-baem’ for S. borealis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The myrophine ophichthid fishes (worm eels) Muraenichthys aoki Jordan and Snyder and Muraenichthys gymnotus Bleeker are redescribed as valid species of Scolecenchelys based on the types and non-type specimens collected from the Indo-Pacific. Because both species are similar to each other in having acute snouts, the posterior margin of the eye before the rictus, and their dorsal-fin origins located slightly posterior to a vertical line through the anus, Scolecenchelys aoki has usually been regarded as a junior synonym of Scolecenchelys gymnota. However, S. aoki is clearly distinguishable from S. gymnota by having a median groove on the ventral side of snout (absent in S. gymnota), uniserial maxillary teeth in smaller specimens (<200 mm TL; vs. biserial), three infraorbital sensory pores at postorbital area (vs. two), and more numerous vertebrae (56-65 in predorsal vs. 51-57; 53-58 in preanal vs. 47-52). Scolecenchelys aoki is restricted to Japanese waters and regarded as a senior synonym of Muraenichthys borealis Machida and Shiogaki . Scolecenchelys gymnota is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, from South Africa and the Red Sea to Samoa, north to Okinawa, Japan. Sphagebranchus huysmani Weber and Muraenichthys fowleri Schultz are synonymized under S. gymnota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

phthalmichthys kuro, described by Kuroda () based on a specimen from Suruga Bay, Japan, is referred to Callechelys (family Ophichthidae, subfamily Ophichthinae). It differs from its congeners in its vertebral number (142-146), tail length (2.0-2.1 in TL), and coloration (brownish black). The holotype is lost; we herein designate a neotype and redescribe and illustrate the species based on 5 specimens from Japan and 2 from Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The worm eels, Muraenichthys okamurai Machida and Ohta and M. borealis Machida and Shiogaki , both from Japanese waters, have been distinguished by the difference in dentition on the upper jaw and palatal area, and regarded as valid species of Scolecenchelys. A detailed examination of the dentition of the type specimens and recently caught specimens revealed that the difference in the dentition described in the original descriptions is actually intraspecific variation. Apparently M. okamurai represents the juvenile of M. borealis, and the former is its junior subjective synonym. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been previously shown that two guilds of predators, the sea kraits and their prey, the anguilliform fish (predator themselves), are far more abundant and diverse than previously suspected in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific area. Based on diet, foraging range, feeding rate, and population size of two sea krait species, we estimated the annual uptake of anguilliform fish around Signal Island, New Caledonia. We found that more than 4000 snakes live on this 15 ha islet and that they can take up to 45 000 fish (>1.3 t) per year, essentially from 10 fish species previously considered as rare. One third of these fish are captured on the reef flat, the two other thirds within a 17 km radius surrounding Signal Island. We suggest that the foraging areas of the different snake populations belonging to numerous islets (and the surrounding reef flats) overlap greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ophichthus brevirostris, a new species of snake eel, subfamily Ophichthinae, is described from a specimen trawled in deep water (406-440 m) off North Carolina. It is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: large orbit; Filamentous pectoral fin; two preopercular pores; short snout; minute dentition; body coloration; and vertebral formula (13/60/153). It is most similar to Ophichthus arneutes from the Galápagos, O. genie from New Caledonia and Maldives, and two undescribed congeners from Seychelles and Tonga. It differs from them in its dorsalfin origin, dentition, and vertebral numbers. Its characteristics do not agree with that of any of the 15 known leptocephali of western Atlantic relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yirrkala gjellerupi (Weber & de Beaufort, 1916), unknown since the brief and unfigured original description of the holotype from New Guinea, is herein diagnosed, described, and illustrated, based on specimens recently captured in a Fijian freshwater stream. Other eels collected there and nearby include Anguilla megastoma, A. obscura, Lamnostoma kampeni, and an unidentified moringuid. Living far from the sea is very atypical for an adult ophichthid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anarchias supremus new species is described on the basis of a specimen dredged at 154 m off Macauley Island, Kermadec Ridge, and differs from its congeners in its coloration, dentition, and high vertebral number. Four other eels are added to the New Zealand ichthyofauna comprising, at the Kermadecs, the morays Anarchias cf. seychellensis, Gymnothorax berndti, and Gymnothorax ypsilon, and from Northland, the snake eel Apterichtus flavicaudus. Data are provided for the moray Gymnothorax eurostus and the snake eel Myrichthys maculosus, listed by Francis (1993) as new records from the Kermadecs, but lacking data. Gymnothorax griffini Whitley & Phillips 1939 is placed in the synonymy of Gymnothorax porphyreus (Guichenot, 1848). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new deepwater species of worm-eel (Ophichthidae, subfamily Myrophinae), Scolecenchelys castlei, is described from 34 specimens trawled at 425-820 m off the coasts of New Zealand and Australia. It is the deepest capture of any known Scolecenchelys. The new species is distinguished from its closest relative, S. breviceps Günther, by having more vertebrae and a larger eye, in other body proportions, and in its coloration. The synonymies of S. breviceps and S. macroptera are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of recent spawning by several species of marine eels of the families Congridae, Ophichthidae, and Nettastomatidae was found over the continental shelf along the coast of northeastern Japan in October 2003. Sixty-three leptocephali of at least three taxa that ranged from 3.8 to 12.3 mm total length were collected in a relatively small area, just to the south of Cape Shioya, primarily over the 100-and 200-m-depth contours. The leptocephali of Gnathophis nystromi nystromi were the most abundant, followed by those of G. nystromi ginanago. This spawning area is located in an area that appeared to include water originating from the Tsugaru Warm Current and is further south than the typical latitude of the cold water of the Oyashio First Intrusion. These findings suggest that some species of marine eels may not migrate past the slope to spawn, and that the oceanographic features of the region may provide favorable conditions for the growth and retention of leptocephali in the area to the south of Cape Shioya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subdivision Elopomorpha, united by the possession of a leptocephalus larval stage, is a diverse group of primarily tropical fishes that contains many rare species. In this paper, six leptocephalus types collected from the waters around Barbados are described, including the muraenid, Echidna catenata, two ophichthid types, and one nettastomatid type that are most likely the larvae of species that have not been collected and described as adults, and an additional ophichthid type and muraenid type that cannot be matched to a species. Based on this work and previous descriptive work on both adult and larval ophichthids, western North Atlantic species richness in this family is evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique retinal topography was found in the rufus snake eel, Ophichthus rufus, a burrowing fish that shows a preference for nocturnal habits. The cells in the ganglion-cell layer formed a high-density semicircular band that covered the dorso-rostral, temporal and ventro-rostral areas of the retina. Three regions of high acuity were identified in the ventro-temporal, ventro-rostral and dorsal regions of the retina. This is the first time that multiple specialisations have been found in a benthic deep-water fish. The ventro-temporal and ventro-rostral visual axes were found at 48° and 54° from the retinal centre, subtending the dorsal field of view, while the dorsal axis was at 66°, subtending the ventral field of view. These characteristics may represent an adaptation to identify the mouth of the muddy burrows in which this species hides or where it looks for food. O. rufus has a duplex retina with numerous slender rod photoreceptors arranged in banks of four layers. This morphology is typical of deep-sea teleosts with a high visual sensitivity, which is useful in a dim-light environment. A few tiny cones were also present, probably enhancing acuity during the eel's daily activity. The retina of O. rufus also possessed a well developed vascularisation, possibly to overcome the hypoxic conditions that may be found in the burrow. The characteristics of the retina of the rufus snake eel indicate singular visual capabilities that are discussed in relation to the burrowing life-style and to what is known of feeding habits of this fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Documents the surface occurrence of four adult ophichthid species. Biological data on the species' swimming behavior, general rarity as far as North Carolina and the high level of gonad maturity indicating the approach of spawning; Field observations.

A specimen of the serpent eel, Ophisurus serpens, with a total length of 1917 mm was caught on 2 March 2014 by an angler on a boat off the coast of Karaburun, in front of the Sarpıncık lighthouse. This specimen is the second record for the central Aegean Sea since that of Aliağa, Çandarlı Bay, in August 1966. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the new records of snake eels including pisces, anguilliformes, ophichthidae, from Oman. It contains two charts of morphometric and meristic characters of Pisodonophis cancrivorus, and Bascanichthyus Kirkii, that researchers gathered from Arabian Sea coasts of Oman.

The present paper reports the first record of occurrence of the stargazer snake eel, Brachysomophis cirrocheilos, from Indian waters. Seven specimens were collected from the cooling water system of the Madras Atomic Power Station located near Kalpakkam, east coast of India, during July 2008. The paper provides a brief description with a photograph of the specimen, discussion on its relation with congeners and distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The string eel Gordiichthys leibyi is reported for the first time from the western South Atlantic, based on a specimen taken from the stomach of a yellowtail snapper collected off the coast of Mucuri, Bahia, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachysomophis crocodilinus belongs to the family Ophichthidae, the complete mitochondrial genome of which was sequenced in this study. The mitochondrial genome of B. crocodilinus is of 17,818 bp in length, with overall base composition of 32.11% A, 24.69% T, 16.22% G, and 26.98% C. The genome content includes 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 control regions. The result of phylogenetic analysis indicates that B. crocodilinus mitogenome is close to that of Ophisurus macrorhynchos, which are nested within the family Ophichthidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Ophichthus rotundus was sequenced in this study. The genome sequence is 17,785 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 2 control regions. Overall base composition is 30.59% A, 24.94% T, 17.01% G, and 27.46% C. The result of phylogenetic analysis indicates that O. rotundus mitogenome is close to that of M. maculosus, which are nested within the family Ophichthidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that synthesizes all records of Pisodonophis semicinctus in the Mediterranean Sea. The study shows that first identified Pisodonophis semicinctus in the Mediterranean Sea was caught in 1957 by hook-and-line fishing in a shallow, sandy-rocky bottom along the Algerian coast. It indicates that in France, the presence of Pisodonophis semicinctus was first reported in 1980 when a specimen was captured by trammel net near Cassis.