Ophionereis tigris H. L. Clark, 1938

[New Japanese name: Toragara-kumohitode]

(Fig. 8F)

Ophionereis tigris H. L. Clark 1938: 327, pl. 25–6.―1946: 241, 242.— A. M. Clark & Rowe 1971: 88, 89.— Rowe & Gates 1995: 410.

Material examined. Okinawa Island (RUMF-ZE-02045[1], RUMF-ZE-02080[1], RUMF-ZE-02081[2]): “entrance” of the “Hedo-Dome” cave, under rocks or coral rubble, approximately 15 m depth, 21 May 2017 (RUMF-ZE-02045), 22 May 2017 (RUMF-ZE-02080, RUMF-ZE-02081).

Distribution. West-central Pacific Ocean. Depth range 10– 94 m.

Remarks. This species is identified as Ophionereis tigris by virtue of: lacking genital papillae; having skins covering both aboral and oral disc; and having uniform yellowish pale color on oral surface whereas irregular striking purplish-brown lines on aboral surface (e.g. A. M. Clark & Rowe, 1971). This is the first record of O. tigris from Japanese waters.