Fin's Fish Guide
The Lipped snake eel (Schismorhynchus labialis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Chile, Easter I., French Polynesia, Maldives and others
Description
The Lipped snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from deeper sand and mud water around Australia and the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a smooth, snake-like, grey-brown body with confluent dorsal, tail and anal fins. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it shelters in burrows and crevices or buried in sediment by day and hunts small fish, crustaceans and worms at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Lipped snake eel?
The Lipped snake eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Lipped snake eel live?
The Lipped snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Chile, Easter I., French Polynesia, Maldives and others
How big does the Lipped snake eel get?
The Lipped snake eel grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Lipped snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Lipped 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Lipped snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Lipped snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.