Unusual massive beaching of Dalophis imberbis (Delaroche, 1809) (anguilliformes, ophichtidae) from the Central Tyrrhenian Sea

An unusual massive beaching of about two hundred specimens of the ophichthid eel Dalophis imberbis in the Central Mediterranean Sea was documented with in situ photographs and direct observations of beached specimens. No records of massive beaching of this species are reported in literature and only isolated specimens of D. imberbis were sporadically found beached. This event might be directly related to a severe wintry storm that affected the Latium coast from 2 to 5 March 2017. Some specimens were collected and measured and following laboratory analysis showed that had empty stomachs and no mature reproductive structures despite their large size (Mean TL mm > 400). In this way, further studies are required to determine the causes of this very uncommon event.