Fin's Fish Guide
The Sharpsnout snake eel (Apterichtus klazingai) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Christmas I., Marquesas Is., Indonesia, Maldives, New Caledonia and others
Description
The sharpsnout snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from coastal and reef-lagoon water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a very slender, snake-shaped, pale, finless-looking body with a pointed snout and tail tip with which it burrows backwards into sand. As a burrowing bottom-dweller it lies buried by day and hunts small crustaceans and worms at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sharpsnout snake eel?
The Sharpsnout snake eel has a snake-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Sharpsnout snake eel live?
The Sharpsnout snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Australia, Christmas I., Marquesas Is., Indonesia, Maldives, New Caledonia and others
How big does the Sharpsnout snake eel get?
The Sharpsnout snake eel grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Sharpsnout snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Sharpsnout 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.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Apterichtus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Sharpsnout snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sharpsnout snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.