Fin's Fish Guide
The Serpent eel (Ophisurus serpens) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 250 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to deeper water.
Description
The serpent eel is a very long, thin snake eel of the family Ophichthidae reaching about 2.5 metres. The round, greyish to brownish body has a pointed, beak-like snout with a wide toothed mouth and a hard, finless, pointed tail. With that tail tip the fish bores backward into the sand, so it can hunt and shelter while buried. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to several hundred metres. From its hiding place it seizes small fish and crustaceans. Like all eels it develops through a transparent, leaf-shaped leptocephalus larva. Because of its hidden lifestyle it is only rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Serpent eel?
The Serpent eel has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very long, thin snake eel with a pointed, beak-shaped snout and a hard, pointed tail with which it drills backwards into the sand.
Where does the Serpent eel live?
The Serpent eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, buried in sandy and silty bottoms of shallow to deeper water.
How big does the Serpent eel get?
The Serpent eel grows to a maximum of about 250 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the Serpent eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Serpent eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Serpent eel edible?
The Serpent eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Serpent 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 Ophisurus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Serpent eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Serpent eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.