Family |
   Ophichthidae |
Description |
   Snake eels |
Environment |
   Fresh, Brackish & Marine |
Etymology |
   Greek, ophis = serpent + Greek, ichthys = fish |
Genus |
   60 |
No. of Species |
   314 |
Order |
   Anguilliformes |
Class |
   Actinopterygii |
Reproductive Guild |
   Nonguarders |
Distribution |
   Tropical to warm temperate waters. Coastal, some species entering rivers. Posterior nostril usually lying within or piercing the upper lip, opening into mouth. Tongue attached. Branchiostegal rays 15-49 pairs, overlapping midventrally to form a 'jugostegalia', a basketlike structure. Poorly developed neural spines, when present. Hyomandibulae usually vertical, but may be inclined backward or forward. With or without pectoral fins. Vertebrae 110-270. Most species spend their time burried in sand and hunt small fishes and crustaceans by sense of smell. |