In 2014 I videoed this eel while snorkeling in Kapalua Bay in Hawaii. It was about 3 ft long.
Saddled Snake Eel
Leiuranus semicinctus
Also known as: Banded Snake Eel, Half-banded Snake Eel
- Banded Snake Eel
- Half-banded Snake Eel
Overview
Found singly, over sandy areas and in seagrass beds, of lagoons and seaward reefs.
Widespread Southeast Atlantic, 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.
How to identify
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-Pacific, Southeast Atlantic
Found singly, over sandy areas and in seagrass beds, of lagoons and seaward reefs.
Adult photos 0
Discussion 2
2 comments
- Kara· 26 May 2016
- stewart spencer· 20 Oct 2013
saddled snake eel located few metres off beach snorkling in rhodes mediterranen sea is this common?
Deep dive
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