Fin's Fish Guide
The Banded snake eel (Leiuranus semicinctus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 66 cm.
Indo-Pacific; sandy areas and seagrass beds of lagoon and seaward reefs.
Description
The saddled snake eel is a snake eel of the family Ophichthidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 66 cm and has an elongate, snake-like, pale body with a row of large, dark saddle blotches over the back, somewhat resembling a banded sea snake. It lives in sandy areas and seagrass beds of lagoon and seaward reefs, where it buries itself largely in the bottom with only the head protruding. As a bottom hunter it searches for small crustaceans and small fishes. Unlike morays a snake eel has a relatively small mouth and is not aggressive. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Banded snake eel?
The Banded snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Dark saddle blotches across the back; buries itself in the sand with only the head exposed.
Where does the Banded snake eel live?
The Banded snake eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific; sandy areas and seagrass beds of lagoon and seaward reefs.
How big does the Banded snake eel get?
The Banded snake eel grows to a maximum of about 66 cm.
Is the Banded snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Banded snake eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Banded snake eel edible?
The Banded snake eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ophichthidae
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