Bascanichthys ryukyuensis Hibino, Yamashita & Sakurai, 2022
Vine-like sand eel

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  51.6 cm TL (male/unsexed); 62.7 cm TL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 1 m
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: Japan (Ryukyu Is.).
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 207-216. This species is distinguished by the following characters: an extremely elongate body; head 3.7-4.3% TL; tail 43.3-44.2% TL; predorsal-fin length 40.7-45.4% of head length; snout length 11.3-13.1% of HL; lateral-line pores anterior to anus 114-118; total vertebrae 207-216, mean vertebral formula 2-116-212; dorsal-fin origin slightly before the middle of head and before first lateral-line pore. Colouration: body pale brown, and head without distinct dark bands after preservation (Ref. 127464).
Biology:  Two specimens were reported to have been collected as stranded specimens caused by the extremely low temperatures by a serous cold wave coming from the Arctic. In the type locality, several species of Muraenidae, Ophichthidae, Apogonidae, Syganidae, etc., were also collected at the same time (Ref. 127464).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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