Pisodonophis semicinctus

Pisodonophis semicinctus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Pisodonophis
Species: P. semicinctus
Binomial name
Pisodonophis semicinctus
(Richardson, 1848)

Pisodonophis semicinctus is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[1] It was described by John Richardson in 1848.[2] It is a marine, subtropical eel which is known from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including Morocco, Angola, and Algeria. It dwells at a depth range of 10 to 30 metres (33 to 98 ft), and inhabits the continental shelf, where it forms burrows in sand and mud. Males can reach a maximum total length of 80 centimetres (31 in), but more commonly reach a TL of 60 centimetres (24 in).[1]

P. semicinctus is of commercial interest to fisheries.[1] Its diet consists of mollusks and benthic crustaceans.[3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Pisodonophis semicinctus at www.fishbase.org.
  2. Richardson, J., 1844-48 [ref. 3740] Ichthyology of the voyage of H. M. S. Erebus & Terror,... In: J. Richardson & J. E. Gray. The zoology of the voyage of H. H. S. "Erebus & Terror," under the command of Captain Sir J. C. Ross ... during ... 1839-43. London. v. 2 (2): i-viii + 1-139, Pls. 1-60.
  3. Food items reported for Pisodonophis semicinctus at www.fishbase.org.
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