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Family: Ophiomyxidae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Under rubble on shallow reef flats, beneath dead coral slabs in the turbulent spur-and-groove zone, and in the interstices of corals on the fore reef slope. Distribution: Caribbean, Panama Natural History Notes: The scientific name translates to "slimy snake of the Antilles". A commensal ostracod, Pontocypria hendleri is associated with some individuals. Characteristics: The largest measured specimen has a disk diameter of 23 mm and arms of 116 mm. The species has paired, ovoid tentacle scales and smooth-edged teeth and oral papillae. The dorsal surface of the disk is generally brown or reddish brown, sometimes spotted or otherwise variegated. Ventrally, the disk is marbled with cream and dark brown or black. The arms have light and dark brown and occasionally purple bands. Juveniles have purplish arms and a patterned purple and cream-colored disk. |