First record of Ophidion muraenolepis (Actinopterygii, Ophidiiformes, Ophidiidae) from the Laccadive Sea, western Indian Ocean, with taxonomic notes

The blackedge cusk, Ophidion muraenolepis Günther, 1880, is recorded from the Laccadive Sea based on four specimens collected at Sakthikulangra landing center, Kollam, Kerala. Morphometric and meristic data for the species are given and compared to the congeners. This represents the first record of this species from the Laccadive Sea, western Indian Ocean, documenting the range extension of the species.