Fin's Fish Guide
The Freshwater snake-eel (Lamnostoma kampeni) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 41 cm.
Description
The freshwater snake-eel is a snake-like eel from the Indo-West Pacific that inhabits coastal, brackish and fresh water. The species grows to about 41 cm and has a strongly elongate, scaleless, snake-shaped body with a pointed tail tip with which it burrows backwards. As a bottom-dweller it lies by day in soft sediment of river mouths and shallow coastal waters and hunts small crustaceans and worms at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Freshwater snake-eel?
The Freshwater snake-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Snake-shaped naked body; backward-burrowing eel
Where does the Freshwater snake-eel live?
The Freshwater snake-eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Freshwater snake-eel get?
The Freshwater snake-eel grows to a maximum of about 41 cm.
Is the Freshwater snake-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Freshwater 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 Freshwater snake-eel edible?
The Freshwater snake-eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lamnostoma
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Freshwater snake-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Freshwater snake-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.