Herpetoichthys fossatus

Herpetoichthys fossatus (Myers and Wade, 1941) is a species of actinopterygii belonging to the family Ophichthidae (order Anguilliformes).

Common name. In English this species is commonly known as the mustachioed snake eel.

Taxonomy. The scientific name Herpetoichthys fossatus (Myers and Wade, 1941) places this species within the actinopterygii lineage, among the most diverse vertebrates on Earth.

Description & ecology. As a member of Anguilliformes, Herpetoichthys fossatus exhibits the group's characteristic adaptations: They are elongate, eel-shaped fishes, mostly marine, with fused median fins and a small gill pore. Its biology reflects the demands of its particular habitat and life history within the family Ophichthidae.

Distribution. The species occurs within the natural range of its lineage; precise localities and depth preferences are documented in the taxonomic literature for Ophichthidae.

Human relevance. Like many fishes, it may be of interest to fisheries, aquaculture, the aquarium trade, or conservation, depending on its abundance and distribution.