WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Harlequin Snake Eel

Myrichthys colubrinus

Also known as: Banded Snake-eel, Barred Snake-eel, Broadnose Worm Eel, Harlequin Banded Snake Eel, Ringed Snake-eel

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2022
Adult
@fishx6 · Lembeh, Indonesia · August 20081 / 6
01

Overview

Found singly, over mud, sand, and seagrass bottoms, of reef flats. Pattern varies, sometimes with spots.

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.

02

How to identify

COLOURS

Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.

03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-Pacific
  • Country only · 6
LIVES IN

Found singly, over mud, sand, and seagrass bottoms, of reef flats.

04

Adult photos 6

05

Discussion

Comments are checked by a moderator before they appear.

No comments yet. Seen one, or got a question about it? Start the discussion.

    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderAnguilliformes
    5. familyOphichthidae
    6. genusMyrichthys
    7. speciesMyrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert, 1781)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Snake Eels (Ophichthidae)