Elongate Shore Eel

Diagnosis: Pelvic fins present. Gill slit large. Postocular pore 1; anterior nasal pore 1; posterior nasal and lacrymal pores absent. Vertebrae total 74-78, precaudal 22; last epineural on 28th vertebra. Caudal rays 6-9. Dorsal origin posterior to the anus. Body not transparent. This species differs from it congeners by a combination of its elongate but robust body (depth 12.5-14.9 in SL), large gill slit (2.9-4.4 in HL), prominent rudimentary pelvic fin with obvious fin rays, single postocular pore on each side of head, and unique color pattern. While it is most similar to A. dorsalis, differing in its more elongate body (depth usually greater than 12 times in SL versus 11 or less) and different coloration (lacks the dark circular blotches on midside of body that characterize the adult male of A. dorsalis) (Ref. 56640).

Vertebrae: 74 - 78

Inhabits reef and weed areas from the intertidal to depths of 15 meters. It has been found in both seagrass beds as well as on rocky reefs (Ref. 56640).