Fin's Fish Guide
The Common snake eel (Ophichthus remiger) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 85 cm.
Description
The common snake eel is a large snake eel from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Peru and Chile. The species grows to about 85 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 the continental shelf, between about 15 and 280 metres, and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. It is a local food fish. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common snake eel?
The Common snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Hard pointed tail for burrowing backwards; burrowing snake eel
Where does the Common snake eel live?
The Common snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Common snake eel get?
The Common snake eel grows to a maximum of about 85 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Common snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Common 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 Common snake eel edible?
The Common 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 Ophichthus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Common snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.