• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.594-597
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• 2013

Two leptocephali [total length (TL) 68.2-80.5 mm] from the family Ophichthidae, collected from the waters south of Jeju Island, Korea, were identified using morphology. The two ophichthid leptocephali were identified as belonging to the genus Ophichthus based on morphological characters: 131-132 myomeres; nine gut swellings; dorsal fin origin above the middle of the body; five postanal pigments present from the anus to the caudal margin. Ultimately, both leptocephali were identified as Ophichthus asakusae, as the total number of myomeres was consistent with those of adult O. asakusae. Here, we first describe the morphological characteristics of the O. asakusae leptocephalus, and suggest diagnostic characters for leptocephali belonging to the genus Ophichthus.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.236-239
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• 2009

We describe Ophichthus asakusae from Korea based on a single specimen (426.0 mm TL) collected from the southern sea off Jeju Island. The species is characterized by a pointed, hard, sponge-like tail tip without a caudal fin and 126-132 total vertebrae. We propose a new Korean name, "Je-ju-ba-da-baem" for the species.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.46-60
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• 2011

A taxonomic review of 6 genera and 10 species in the family Ophichthidae was carried out based on specimens from the adjacent waters of Korea. The number of vertebrae distinguished the species of each genus: Ophisurus macrorhynchos (201~209), Ophichthus rotundus (178~183), Pisodonophis zophistius (179~182), P. cancrivorus (153~164), Echelus uropterus (152~158), Muraenichthys gymnopterus (155~156), Ophichthus evermanni (150~154), Brachysomophis porphyreus (137~148), Ophichthus urolophus (135~138), Ophichthus asakusae (124~134). Snout length in head length distinguished the 6 genera: Ophisurus (27.2~31.2), Echelus (18.0~27.7), Ophichthus (12.3~21.5), Pisodonophis (16.5~20.8), Muraenichthys (11.4~11.9), Brachysomophis (9.1~9.4). A key to the 6 genera and 10 species of the family Ophichthidae from the adjacent waters of Korea is provided.