1. Body Shape:
- Elongated and slender body, reminiscent of a typical snake.
- Compressed from the sides, giving it an almost blade-like appearance.
2. Head:
- Large, flattened head with a distinct triangular shape.
- Mouth extends broadly across the front of the head, equipped with numerous sharp, fang-like teeth.
- Eyes are relatively small compared to the head size.
3. Coloration:
- The Polytierus snakefish generally has a dark coloration to camouflage itself in the deep-sea environment.
- Base color can vary from dark brown to purplish or even black.
- The body may have patches of lighter or iridescent scales, making it appear bioluminescent in the depths.
4. Fins:
- Dorsal (back) fin is located near the tail and is relatively long and continuous.
- Anal (underside) fin is also continuous and similarly positioned near the tail.
- Pectoral (chest) fins and pelvic (lower belly) fins are small and located near the head and belly, respectively.
5. Scales:
- The snakefish's body is covered in small, cycloid scales, giving it a smooth texture overall.
6. Teeth:
- As mentioned earlier, Polytierus snakefish have numerous, sharp, and fang-like teeth in their mouths.
- The teeth are designed to grasp and hold prey firmly.
7. Size:
- The Polytierus snakefish can vary in length, but most known specimens range between 1 and 2 feet (30 to 60 centimeters) long.
It's important to note that the Polytierus snakefish lives in extreme deep-sea environments, often beyond 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) depth, where sunlight doesn't penetrate. As a result, observations and sightings of this species are relatively rare, and many aspects of its behavior, reproduction, and diet are still poorly understood.