Ophidium

Ophidium is a genus of cusk-eels in the family Ophidiidae. These are elongated, slender fish found in marine environments. They are characterized by their snake-like bodies, with the dorsal and anal fins extending along the length of the body and merging with the caudal fin. Ophidium species typically inhabit the seabed, often found in relatively deep waters, though some may occur in shallower areas or even brackish environments. They are generally bottom-dwellers, foraging for small invertebrates and other food items on or near the substrate. Their coloration can vary, but many species are a pale or dusky hue, aiding in camouflage against the seafloor. The genus Ophidium is distributed globally in temperate and tropical oceans, with different species occupying distinct geographical ranges. They are not typically of significant commercial importance, though they may be caught as bycatch in some fisheries. Reproduction in Ophidium, as with most cusk-eels, involves spawning and development through larval stages.