---
title: Spotted Snakelet (Haliophis guttatus)
scientific_name: Haliophis guttatus
common_name: Spotted Snakelet
taxon: Dottyback
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-07T22:00:36.050Z
updated: 2025-11-25T13:58:09.000Z
tags: Spotted Snakelet, Haliophis guttatus, Dottyback, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/spotted-snakelet
---

# Spotted Snakelet (*Haliophis guttatus*)

**Taxon:** Dottyback (*Pseudochromidae*)  
**Conservation Status:** LC - Least Concern  


The Spotted Snakelet, also known as the African eel blenny (Haliophis guttatus), is a marine species prevalent in tropical, reef-associated environments, with a depth range spanning from 1 to 15 meters. This species achieves a maximum length of 15.5 cm and is predominantly located in shallow reefs, particularly in zones characterized by rock and rubble formations.

Morphologically, the Spotted Snakelet features distinctive dorsal spines numbering two in total, complemented by 41 to 46 dorsal soft rays. The anal structure is devoid of spines and consists of 33 to 39 soft rays. Of particular note is the second dorsal spine, which is embedded within the flesh and discernible only via X-ray or through cleared and stained specimens. The species exhibits seven preopercular pores, and a median posterior interorbital pore is absent. Additionally, a dark, ocellated spot can be observed on the shoulder area. The fill membranes and the isthmus are fused in this species.

Geographically, the Spotted Snakelet is distributed across the Western Indian Ocean, with its range extending from the Red Sea to the northern Gulf of Aden, covering southern Oman, the east coast of Africa from Kenya to Mozambique, and also along the west coast of Madagascar.

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/spotted-snakelet)*
*Updated: November 25, 2025*