Pylorobranchus Explained

Pylorobranchus is a genus of worm eel known from the waters off of eastern Taiwan and from the Philippines.

Species

There are currently 2 recognized species in this genus:

• Pylorobranchus hearstorum J. E. McCosker, 2014 (Gigantic worm eel) ^[1]
• Pylorobranchus hoi J. E. McCosker & H. M. Chen, 2012

Etymology

The genus name is derived from the Greek pylorus, meaning "gatekeeper" and branchos meaning "gill" in reference to a unique lappet-like structure in front of the gill opening.

Notes and References

1. McCosker, J.E. (2014): A Gigantic Deepwater Worm Eel (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) from the Verde Island Passage, Philippine Archipelago. Pp. 333-340 in: Williams, G.C. & Gosliner, T.M. (eds.): The Coral Triangle. The 2011 Hearst Philippine Biodiversity Expedition, 2014: 1-592.