Blind cave eel (Ophisternon candidum)

Scientific name: Ophisternon candidum Mees, 1962

The Blind cave eel (Ophisternon candidum) is a freshwater fish of the family Synbranchidae. Native range: Oceania, Western Australia. Threatened.

Biology

Vertebrae: 150. Body extremely elongated, eel-like and roundish. No fins except a thin rayless finfold near and around the tip of the tail. No externally visible eyes. The lateral line system is distinct and continues to near the tip of the tail. Anus in anterior half of the body. Whitish coloration in the skin.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Ophisternon candidum
Family
Synbranchidae (Swamp-eels)
Order
Synbranchiformes (Spiny eels)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
40.0
Common length
34.0
Depth range
0–3 m (0–10 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 6.8 - 7.3 demersal; potamodromous; depth range 0 - 3 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Oceania: Western Australia. Threatened.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Data deficient (DD)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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