Convict snake eel

Convict snake eel
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Leiuranus
Species: L. versicolor
Binomial name
Leiuranus versicolor
(Richardson, 1848)
Synonyms[1]
  • Ophisurus versicolor Richardson, 1848
  • Cyclophichthys versicolor (Richardson, 1848)
  • Elapsopis versicolor (Richardson, 1848)
  • Elapsopsis versicolor (Richardson, 1848)
  • Ophichthus cyclorhinus Fraser-Brunner, 1934
  • Cyclophichthys cyclorhinus (Fraser-Brunner, 1934)
  • Elapsopis cyclorhinus (Fraser-Brunner, 1934)

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

  1. ↑ Synonyms of Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
  2. ↑ Common names for Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
  3. 1 2 Leiuranus versicolor at www.fishbase.org.
  4. ↑ 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.
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