Fin's Fish Guide
The Twostripe snake eel (Callechelys bilinearis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 170 cm.
Description
The twostripe snake eel is a large snake eel from coastal and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 170 cm and has a very long, slender, worm-like, scaleless body with two dark longitudinal stripes and strongly reduced fins. As a bottom-dweller it burrows into sand and seagrass bottoms of shallow water and sometimes shows only its head to seize passing prey. It hunts small fish and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Twostripe snake eel?
The Twostripe snake eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Two dark longitudinal stripes and reduced fins; burrowing snake eel
Where does the Twostripe snake eel live?
The Twostripe snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Twostripe snake eel get?
The Twostripe snake eel grows to a maximum of about 170 cm.
Is the Twostripe snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Twostripe 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.
Is the Twostripe snake eel edible?
The Twostripe snake eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Callechelys
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Twostripe snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Twostripe snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.