Scolecenchelys profundorum explained

Scolecenchelys profundorum is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[1] It was described by John E. McCosker and Nikolai Vasilyevich Parin in 1995, originally under the genus Muraenichthys.[2] It is a marine, deep water-dwelling eel which is endemic to the Nazca Ridge in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. It is known to dwell at a depth of 310m (1,020feet). Males can reach a maximum total length of 33.4cm (13.1inches).[1]

The species epithet "profundorum" means "of the depths" in Latin, and refers to the deep-water habitat of the eel.[1]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Scolecenchelys-profundorum.html Scolecenchelys profundorum
  2. McCosker, J. E. and N. V. Parin, 1995 [ref. 21924] A new species of deepwater worm-eel, Muraenichthys profundorum (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), from the Nazca Ridge. Japanese Journal of Ichthyology v. 42 (no. 3/4): 231-235.