OPHICHTHIDAE Scolecenchelys macroptera, 22.0 cm SL (from Iriomote I., Japan; photo by Seishi Kimura) Scolecenchelys macroptera Scolecenchelys macroptera (Bleeker, 1857) Slender Snake Eel PLp 45-52; V 127-132. Body extremely elongate. Distal end of anterior nostril greatly expanded. Two cephalic sensory pores between anterior and posterior nostrils. Teeth of upper and lower jaws small and biserial, those on vomer larger and more granular, arranged in 2 rows. Dorsal-fin origin anterior to anus. Caudal-fin rays conspicuous. Pectoral fin absent. Color: body olive dorsally, lighter ventrally. Size: attaining to 25 cm. Distribution: Indo-West Pacific, ranging from East Africa to Society Islands. Remarks: inhabits shallow waters of coral reefs.