Fin's Fish Guide
The Rufus snake eel (Ophichthus rufus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The rufus snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The species has a slender, red-brown, snake-like body with a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into the sediment. It lives on mud bottoms of the continental shelf and is nocturnal. By day it stays buried; at night it hunts small fishes and crustaceans. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rufus snake eel?
The Rufus snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Hard, pointed tail for burrowing backwards into the sediment; nocturnal predatory eel.
Where does the Rufus snake eel live?
The Rufus snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea; muddy bottoms.
How big does the Rufus snake eel get?
The Rufus snake eel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Rufus snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Rufus snake eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rufus snake eel edible?
The Rufus snake eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Rufus snake eel and live in the same waters.
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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 Rufus snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rufus snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.