Fin's Fish Guide
The Margined snake eel (Ophichthus cruentifer) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Description
The margined snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has an elongate, eel-like body with a pointed, hard tail tip with which it bores backward into the bottom. It lives on soft bottoms in deeper coastal water. Males mature at about 20 cm and females carry eggs from about 23 cm. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small fishes and invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Margined snake eel?
The Margined snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Hard tail tip for boring backwards into the bottom; eel-like bottom hunter.
Where does the Margined snake eel live?
The Margined snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; soft bottoms in deeper coastal water.
How big does the Margined snake eel get?
The Margined snake eel grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Margined snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Margined snake eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Margined snake eel edible?
The Margined snake eel is not usually eaten.
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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 Margined snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Margined snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.