Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, eel-like; color pale to dark brown (adults darker), dark speckled spots on dorsum and sides of body, ventral side with no spots; tubular nostrils on upper lip; upper lip overlaps lower lip; anus in front of mid-body; dorsal fin starts anterior to anus, anal fin starts right behind anus, caudal fin continuous with dorsal and anal fins; no pelvic fins; pectoral fins start immediately behind gill slits; multiple small teeth in both jaws; |
Similar Species |
Other eels have nostrils well above upper lip, eye level or above. |
Habitat |
Adults offshore reefs, open sea to spawn; juveniles mud bottom, bays |
Maximum Size |
353 mm (14 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
No spines, too many rays to count. (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |