Western Shore Eel

Diagnosis: It differs from its congeners with its elongate transparent body (depth 9.1-15.9 in SL). Very small gill slit (5.4 -17.5 in HL). Rudimentary pelvic fin absent. Postocular pore 1, anterior nasal pore present, posterior nasal pore absent. Lacrymal pores none. Vertebrae total 65-69, precaudal 16-17; last epineural on the 15th -17th vertebra. Caudal rays 4-6. Gut extension short. Tail length long. Dorsal origin over the anus. Unique color pattern in adult male (tiger-like brownish orange bars anteriorly on side of body, darker ventrally). This species is very similar to A. parvula, differing in the shape of the posterior portion of the gut (shorter and more rounded in parvula when viewed laterally in freshly caught material), lack of lacrymal pores (vs. usually present in parvula), and in coloration of the adult male (Ref. 56640).

Inhabits seagrass beds (Ref. 56640).