Fin's Fish Guide
The Mottled snake-eel (Dalophis cephalopeltis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 54 cm.
Description
The mottled snake-eel is a snake eel from coastal and estuarine water of West Africa. The species grows to about 54 cm and has a long, snake-like, scaleless body and a blunt head with a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backward into soft bottoms. As a bottom-dweller it lives hidden in sand and mud of shallow coastal water and hunts small fish and crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mottled snake-eel?
The Mottled snake-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Blunt head and a hard pointed tail to burrow backwards
Where does the Mottled snake-eel live?
The Mottled snake-eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. West Africa
How big does the Mottled snake-eel get?
The Mottled snake-eel grows to a maximum of about 54 cm.
Is the Mottled snake-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Mottled 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.
Is the Mottled snake-eel edible?
The Mottled 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 Dalophis
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Mottled snake-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mottled snake-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.