The orangehead worm-eel[2] (Scolecenchelys xorae) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[3] It was described by J.L.B. Smith in 1958, originally under the genus Muraenichthys.[4] It is a marine, subtropical eel which is known from the western Indian Ocean, including South Africa, Réunion, Mauritius and Madagascar. Males can reach a maximum total length of 25 centimetres (9.8 in).[3]

Orangehead worm-eel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Scolecenchelys
Species:
S. xorae
Binomial name
Scolecenchelys xorae
(Smith, 1958)
Synonyms[1]
  • Muraenichthys xorae Smith, 1958

References

edit
  1. ^ Synonyms of Scolecenchelys xorae at fishbase.org.
  2. ^ Common names of Scolecenchelys xorae at fishbase.org.
  3. ^ a b Scolecenchelys xorae at fishbase.org.
  4. ^ Smith, J. L. B., 1958 (May) [ref. 12116] New and rare fishes from South Africa. South African Journal of Science v. 54 (no. 5): 123-129, Pl. 1.