Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese snake eel (Cirrhimuraena chinensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 55 cm.
Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and others
Description
The Chinese snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from coastal and brackish water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 55 cm and has a very slender, worm-shaped, yellow-brown body with a long, low fin fold and a pointed, hard tail tip. As a bottom-dweller it burrows into sand and mud bottoms of estuaries and searches for small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese snake eel?
The Chinese snake eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Chinese snake eel live?
The Chinese snake eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and others
How big does the Chinese snake eel get?
The Chinese snake eel grows to a maximum of about 55 cm.
Is the Chinese snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cirrhimuraena
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.