Fin's Fish Guide
The Bengal's snake-eel (Pisodonophis boro) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The rice-paddy eel is a snake eel from the Indo-West Pacific that inhabits fresh, brackish and salt water, even into rice fields and river mouths. The species grows to about 1 metre and has a very elongate, snake-like, yellow-brown body with a pointed, hard tail with which it burrows backwards into mud and sand. It hunts small fish, crabs and crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bengal's snake-eel?
The Bengal's snake-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Snake-like body with a hard pointed tail; burrows backwards into mud
Where does the Bengal's snake-eel live?
The Bengal's snake-eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Bengal's snake-eel get?
The Bengal's snake-eel grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Bengal's snake-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Bengal's snake-eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Bengal's snake-eel edible?
The Bengal's snake-eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pisodonophis
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Bengal's snake-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bengal's snake-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.