Fin's Fish Guide
The Pointed-nosed snake eel (Mystriophis rostellatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and the continental shelf.
Description
The pointed-nosed snake eel is a long, snake-like eel of the family Ophichthidae (snake eels) reaching about 1.4 metres. The round, scaleless body has a pointed snout and ends in a hard, pointed tail without a caudal fin, with which the eel burrows backward into the bottom. The species lives buried in sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and the continental shelf along the West African coast; often only the head protrudes from the sand. Mainly at night it preys on small fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Like all eels it has a transparent, ribbon-shaped larval stage (leptocephalus). Because of its hidden lifestyle it is only rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pointed-nosed snake eel?
The Pointed-nosed snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Long, snake-shaped eel with a pointed snout and a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into the bottom.
Where does the Pointed-nosed snake eel live?
The Pointed-nosed snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and the continental shelf.
How big does the Pointed-nosed snake eel get?
The Pointed-nosed snake eel grows to a maximum of about 140 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Pointed-nosed snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Pointed-nosed snake eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pointed-nosed snake eel edible?
The Pointed-nosed snake eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Pointed-nosed snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pointed-nosed snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Pointed-nosed snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pointed-nosed snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.