Fin's Fish Guide
The Wrinkled snake eel (Ophichthus rutidoderma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 95 cm.
Description
The Wrinkled snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sand and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a slender, eel-like, pale body with a pointed, hard tail tip with which it burrows backwards into the bottom. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives largely buried and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Wrinkled snake eel?
The Wrinkled snake eel has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Wrinkled snake eel live?
The Wrinkled snake eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Viet Nam
How big does the Wrinkled snake eel get?
The Wrinkled snake eel grows to a maximum of about 95 cm.
Is the Wrinkled snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Wrinkled 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 Ophichthus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Wrinkled snake eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Wrinkled snake eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.