Fin's Fish Guide
The Burrowing snake eel (Pisodonophis cancrivorus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 108 cm.
Description
The burrowing snake eel is a large snake eel from coastal, estuarine and fresh water of the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 108 cm and has a long, snake-like, scaleless body with a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backward into soft bottoms. As a bottom-dweller it lives hidden in sand and mud of shallow water and river mouths and hunts crabs, shrimp and small fish. The fish is largely harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Burrowing snake eel?
The Burrowing snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Hard pointed tail for burrowing backwards; crab-eating snake eel
Where does the Burrowing snake eel live?
The Burrowing snake eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Burrowing snake eel get?
The Burrowing snake eel grows to a maximum of about 108 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Burrowing snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Burrowing 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 Burrowing snake eel edible?
The Burrowing snake eel is rarely eaten.
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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 Burrowing snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Burrowing snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.