WHATSTHATFISH
Bony fish

Stargazer Snake Eel

Brachysomophis cirrocheilos

Also known as: Stargazer Eel

LCLeast ConcernIUCN Red List, 2022
Adult
@Jonah · temple adventures, India · July 20141 / 1
01

Overview

Found singly burrowed into the sand tail first so only their head is showing, living symbiotically with the cleaner shrimp Periclimenes magnificus, over coastal reefs.

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
Head & Mouth
eyesteeth

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03

Habitat & where to find it

  • Range · Indo-West Pacific
  • Country only · 1
LIVES IN

Found singly burrowed into the sand tail first so only their head is showing, living symbiotically with the cleaner shrimp Periclimenes magnificus, over coastal reefs.

04

Adult photos 1

05

Discussion

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    ALL STAGES
    FOR THE MARINE-BIOLOGY CURIOUS

    Deep dive

    Taxonomy

    1. kingdomAnimalia
    2. phylumChordata
    3. classTeleostei
    4. orderAnguilliformes
    5. familyOphichthidae
    6. genusBrachysomophis
    7. speciesBrachysomophis cirrocheilos (Bleeker, 1857)

    SourcesWoRMSFishBase

    06

    More in the family

    Snake Eels (Ophichthidae)