Highfin Snake Eel (Ophichthus altipennis)

Also known as Blackfin Snake Eel, Black-finned Sand Eel, Black-finned Snake Eel, Longfin Snake Eel, Rice-paddy Eel

Description

Also known as Blackfin Snake Eel, Black-finned Sand Eel, Black-finned Snake Eel, Longfin Snake Eel, Rice-paddy Eel.

Found singly, buried in soft bottoms with just the head showing, with a few cleaner shrimps crawling over their heads, over inshore waters of coral reefs.
They feed on cephalopods, crustaceans, and small fish.
Length - 120cm
Depth - 1-25m
Widespread Indo-Pacific

Snake Eels resemble snakes or worms because they have virtually no fins. Their pointed snouts and tails allow them to burrow beneath the sand.
They can usually be found with just their head showing above the sand waiting for their prey, a few species prowl around the sands at night. Some mimic banded sea snakes and can be found in the open during the day. Ref: https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Ophichthus-altipennis.html

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