Convict snake eel

Convict snake eel
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Anguilliformes
Family:	Ophichthidae
Genus:	Leiuranus
Species:	L. versicolor
Binomial name
	Leiuranus versicolor; (Richardson, 1848)
Synonyms
	Ophisurus versicolor Richardson, 1848 ; Cyclophichthys versicolor (Richardson, 1848) ; Elapsopis versicolor (Richardson, 1848) ; Elapsopsis versicolor (Richardson, 1848) ; Ophichthus cyclorhinus Fraser-Brunner, 1934 ; Cyclophichthys cyclorhinus (Fraser-Brunner, 1934) ; Elapsopis cyclorhinus (Fraser-Brunner, 1934) ;

The Convict snake eel (Leiuranus versicolor) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).^[2] It was described by John Richardson in 1848.^[3] It is a tropical, marine eel which is known from the Pacific Ocean, including Palau, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Norfolk Island. It dwells at a depth range of 3–18 m (10–59 ft), and forms burrows in the soft bottoms of inshore regions. Males can reach a maximum total length of 75.4 cm (29.7 in).^[2]

References

^ McCosker, J.; Smith, D.G. & Tighe, K. (2023). "Leiuranus versicolor". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T44600742A44600744. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T44600742A44600744.en. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Leiuranus versicolor". FishBase. June 2024 version.
^ Richardson, J., 1844-48 [ref. 3740] Ichthyology of the voyage of H. M. S. Erebus & Terror,... In: J. Richardson & J. E. Gray. The zoology of the voyage of H. H. S. "Erebus & Terror," under the command of Captain Sir J. C. Ross ... during ... 1839-43. London. v. 2 (2): i-viii + 1-139, Pls. 1-60.

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