Descriptions of two new dark-body snake eels of the genus <i>Ophichthus</i> (Anguilliformes, Ophichthidae) from Taiwan.

ABSTRACT: Two new species of dark-body snake eels are described based on specimens collected from Taiwan. Ophichthuskbalanensis sp. nov. has a long tail; dorsal-fin origin above posterior third of pectoral fin; tip of lower jaw anterior to anterior-nostril tube; two simple, pointed protrusions along upper lip; preoperculomandibular pores 6 or 7 + 3; teeth on jaws and vomer mostly uniserial, except for biserial on posterior portion of maxilla and anterior portion of symphysis of dentary; vertebral formula 12-55-153 and median fins with narrow dark margins, except the pale fin origins. Ophichthusmultidentis sp. nov. has a dorsal-fin origin well behind gill opening; mainly 4 rows of teeth on jaws; no protrusions along upper lip; a smaller head; mean vertebral formula 24-64-1

SUBMITTER: Hibino Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11650213 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature