First records of Echiophis brunneus (Teleosteo; Ophichthidae) "Fangjaw eel" in northern Peru

Campos-León S.; Miranda J.; Moreno-Méndez A.; Vásquez C. · Revista Peruana de Biologia (2023) · DOI: 10.15381/rpb.v30i1.23889

Resumen

Echiophis brunneus, commonly known as fangjaw eel, is a coastal benthic species belonging to the Ophichthidae family. Its distribution is reported to be in the Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California (USA) to the Gulf of Guayaquil (Ecuador). In this study, we report for the first time the presence of E. brunneus based on three specimens captured in northern Peru. Additionally, a new maximum size for the species is recorded, and the first COI sequence is added to the BoldSystems database. One of the main characteristics for its determination was the presence of a large canine tooth located in the distal area of the vomer. The genetic distances between E. brunneus with E. punctifer and E. intertinctus were 0.087±0.013 and 0.095±0.014 respectively. With this work the geographical distribution of E. brunneus is extended to Salaverry (08°13'28"S, 78°59'22"W). We also suggest the possible establishment of a population of this species on the northern coast of Peru.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos