Convict snake eel
| Convict snake eel | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Anguilliformes |
| Family: | Ophichthidae |
| Genus: | Leiuranus |
| Species: | L. versicolor
|
| Binomial name | |
| Leiuranus versicolor (Richardson, 1848)
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
The Convict snake eel[2] (Leiuranus versicolor) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[3] It was described by John Richardson in 1848.[4] It is a tropical, marine eel which is known from the Pacific Ocean, including Palau, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Norfolk Island. It dwells at a depth range of 3–18 metres, and forms burrows in the soft bottoms of inshore regions. Males can reach a maximum total length of 75.4 centimetres.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ Synonyms of Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ Common names for Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ a b Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
- ^ 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.
External links[edit]
- Photos of Convict snake eel on Sealife Collection
 | This Ophichthidae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |