Fin's Fish Guide
The Longtooth snake eel (Boehlkenchelys longidentata) is a saltwater fish of the family Chlopsidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Description
The longtooth snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sand and coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, eel-like, pale body with conspicuously long teeth and a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into sand. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lies hidden by day with only its head out of the sand and seizes small fish and crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longtooth snake eel?
The Longtooth snake eel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Longtooth snake eel live?
The Longtooth snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Fiji, Indonesia, Palau, Chagos Is.
How big does the Longtooth snake eel get?
The Longtooth snake eel grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Longtooth snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Longtooth 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 Chlopsidae
Want the complete picture on the Longtooth snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longtooth snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.