Species: Hoplunnis similis, Similar Pikeconger, Similar Pikeconger Eel

Hoplunnis similis Smith, 1989

Similar Pikeconger, Similar Pikeconger Eel

Elongate, cylindrical at front, compressed at rear; head and body 23-24% of TL: long slender tail; large eye; front nostril tubular, at front of snout, rear nostril a slit in front of center of eye; long narrow snout without a soft tip; jaws long and pointed, with top jaw overhanging; jaw teeth of varying sizes, exposed when mouth is closed; 3 rows of teeth along sides of both top and bottom jaws inner row enlarged on lower jaw, tip of lower jaws with a large tooth, outer row on that jaw very small; a semicircle of 6-7 large, outward directed teeth at front between top jaws; roof of mouth with central tooth patch composed of central row of ~7 large teeth and a few, widely spaced, small lateral teeth in 1 row; NO lateral tooth patches between the central patch and top jaws; pectoral fins present; dorsal fin origin well before gill opening; dorsal and anal fins confluent with tail fin; lateral line complete on head and body, 37-41 pores before anus.

Preserved fish: grey, entire body darkly mottled with brown blotches; stomach black, intestine black; vertical fins edged in black at rear.

Reaches 49.3 cm.

Lives on soft bottoms.

Depth range: 183-468 m.

Bahamas to SW Caribbean.