Ariosoma scheelei (Strömman, 1896)
Tropical conger
Ariosoma scheelei
photo by Hazes, B.

Family:  Congridae (Conger and garden eels), subfamily: Bathymyrinae
Max. size:  20 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 9 - 55 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 146-178; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 119-135. Description: Characterized by greyish brown color, shading to whitish on ventral head and belly; depth of body at gill opening 15-22 in TL; origin of dorsal fin above gill opening; anus anterior to middle of body; small jaw teeth, villiform in 2-3 rows anteriorly, tapering to single row at rear of jaw; several rows of intermaxillary teeth anteriorly, tapering to single row posteriorly (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Uncommon species found in lagoon reefs (Ref. 1602). Solitary and cryptic, also seen in sheltered bays (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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