Species: Microdesmus bahianus, Bahia Wormfish

Microdesmus bahianus Dawson, 1973

Bahia Wormfish

Slender, wormlike, body height 3-9% of SL; small, conspicuous eyes on side of head; front nostril a widely flared tube, rear a pore with raised rim; mouth strongly oblique, lower jaw heavy, protruding; teeth in 1-3 rows, difficult to see, outer row with several slightly enlarged, rounded conical teeth, separated, no enlarged canines; gill opening large (not tubular), located over pectoral fin base, from 4th ray down to just below fin base; one, long based continuous dorsal fin, XII, 28-31, origin behind end of depressed pectoral fin; anal fin 0, 26-28; dorsal and anal fins fully connected to tail fin; pectoral fin 10-12, somewhat pointed; pelvic fins minute, I, 3 rays, fins united, somewhat elongate; tail fin rounded; scales well separated, on all head and body except on tip of snout or lower jaw, ~25 in lateral series; no lateral line.

Body and head with 2 dark stripes, one on upper side from tip of snout to tail base, similar stripe lower along side that joins upper stripe on tail base; dorsal and tail fins with very small dark spots.

Reaches: 5.3 cm.

Habitat: Found in tide pools.

Depth: 0-5 m.

The Caribbean to Brazill.