Fin's Fish Guide
The Leopard eel (Myrichthys pardalis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 65 cm.
Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on sandy bottoms and near rocky reefs of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The leopard eel is a snake eel of the family Ophichthidae reaching about 65 cm. The yellowish to cream-coloured body is covered with large, round black spots, like a leopard's, from which the species takes its name. Like other snake eels it has a hard, pointed tail with which it can bore backward into the sand. The species lives on sand bottoms and near rocky reefs of the eastern Atlantic around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa. By day it often shelters buried with only its head showing; it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Like all eels it develops through a transparent leptocephalus larva. Because of its striking markings it is popular with underwater photographers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Leopard eel?
The Leopard eel has a snake-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Snake eel with a yellowish body covered in large, round black blotches like a leopard; a hard, pointed tail with which it drills into the sand.
Where does the Leopard eel live?
The Leopard eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic, around the Macaronesian islands and West Africa, on sandy bottoms and near rocky reefs of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Leopard eel get?
The Leopard eel grows to a maximum of about 65 cm.
Is the Leopard eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Leopard eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Leopard eel edible?
The Leopard eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Myrichthys
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Leopard eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Leopard eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.