Fin's Fish Guide
The Keoghfish (Ophichthus rex) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 211 cm.
Description
The king snake eel is a large snake eel of the family Ophichthidae from the Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic. The species grows to about 2.1 metres and has a robust, elongate, yellow-brown body with a powerful head and strong teeth. It inhabits offshore sand and mud bottoms at 15 to 365 metres and is regularly caught by anglers near oil rigs. As a bottom predator it hunts fishes and crustaceans. Like other snake eels it can burrow into the sand with its hard tail. With its powerful jaws a caught specimen can give a nasty bite; therefore handle the fish with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Keoghfish?
The Keoghfish has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large snake eel with powerful jaws; burrows into the sand with its hard tail.
Where does the Keoghfish live?
The Keoghfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Gulf of Mexico and western Atlantic; offshore sandy and muddy bottoms.
How big does the Keoghfish get?
The Keoghfish grows to a maximum of about 211 cm.
Is the Keoghfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Keoghfish is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the powerful jaws with sharp teeth can give a nasty bite; never put a hand into crevices and handle a caught specimen with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Keoghfish edible?
The Keoghfish 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 Keoghfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Keoghfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.