Bascanichthys bascanium

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
OphichthidaeBascanichthys bascanium(Jordan)1884Sooty Eel

All Bascanichthys – Tail tip a hard or fleshy finless point. Gill opening midlateral to entirely ventral, unconstructed. Dorsal fin arises behind nape. Pectoral fins absent or vestigial; median fins reduced or absent. Coloration without large spots. Gill openings low lateral, crescentic. Head pores reduced, 2 preopercular pores. Small, lappet-like pectoral fins present in upper gill opening corner.

Bascanichthys bascanium

Unique Characters: No obvious pale spotting along lateral line or in branchial region.

Similar Species: Whip Eel Bascanichthys scuticaris. A series of small, pale spots above each lateral-line pore along body, tail, and in branchial region (may be diffuse along body and tail of larger specimens).

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