Mystery Eel in Roatan

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deco_martini

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Someone in the bay islands forum posted a pic of what is presumably an eel that they could not ID. It stumped me as well so I am posting the pic here.

unknown%20eel.jpg
 
This is a suggested ballpark ID based on limited knowledge. A snake eel -- maybe a whip eel or similar (Genus Bascanichthys -- related to the bi-colored sand eel that is found in Florida.) I'm basing this on its location -- exposed on the Honduran sand -- its length, and distinctive coloration: head lighter than body, dark dorsal fin, very dark above, very light lateral lines. Could be a bi-colored sand eel, for that matter! Good luck!
 
Yeah, I see... The eye is set so high -- and the head is short without a sand-digger's snout. It looks kind of like a wildcat's head! Interesting mystery.
 
I photographed this eel in Roatan, Honduras.
unknown%20eel.jpg
 

That's a very interesting eel.

The dark underside, dark dorsal fin with a white base, lack of a pectoral fin, and the mottled head all say Aprognathodon platyventris (stripe eel). However, the eyes and the origin of the dorsal fin seem too far back. It could be an undescribed species.

I will get the opinion of an eel specialist and get back to you.

Regards

Les
_____________
Les Wilk
ReefNet Inc.
 
Here's a bigger shot of the head of the eel which I took in Roatan. This is 1 to 1:

bigger%20unknown%20eel.jpg


Chuck Elliot
 

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