Fin's Fish Guide
The Saddled snake eel (Pisodonophis semicinctus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The saddled snake eel is a long, snake-like eel of the family Ophichthidae (snake eels) reaching about 80 cm. The round, scaleless body bears dark saddle blotches on a brownish-yellow ground 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 estuaries along the West African coast and tolerates brackish water; often only the head protrudes from the sand. Mainly at night it preys on small fish, crustaceans and worms. 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 Saddled snake eel?
The Saddled snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Long, snake-shaped eel with dark saddle blotches and a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into the bottom.
Where does the Saddled snake eel live?
The Saddled snake eel lives in brackish water 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 estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Saddled snake eel get?
The Saddled snake eel grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Saddled snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Saddled snake eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Saddled snake eel edible?
The Saddled snake eel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Pisodonophis
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Saddled snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Saddled snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.