Ichthyapus vulturis (Weber & de Beaufort, 1916)
Vulture sand eel
Ichthyapus vulturis
photo by Randall, J.E.

 Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
 Max. size:  60 cm TL (male/unsexed)
 Environment:  reef-associated; depth range - 56 m
 Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Mascarenes to Pitcairn (Ref. 41650), north to Japan, south to Australia; Palau in Micronesia. Eastern Pacific: Easter Island.
 Diagnosis:  Snout pointed and rat-like (Ref. 48635). Description: Characterized by white or pinkish to pale tan color dorsally; head length 10.4 in TL; body depth 48 in TL; head and trunk 1.5 times in tail length; no fins; very small eye; long slit in upper lip directed downward below eye, posterior nostril; pointed snout and greatly protruding beyond lower jaw; small and uniserial jaw teeth; ventral gill opening (Ref. 90102).
 Biology:  A burrowing species of inshore waters, in soft bottom areas (Ref. 7300, 75154). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Sandy bottoms in 2-18 m (Ref 90102).
 IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated  (Ref. 96402)
 Threat to humans:  harmless
 Country info:   
 

 Entered by: Capuli, Estelita Emily - 18.04.96
 Modified by: Valdestamon, Roxanne Rei - 06.04.15

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