---
title: Blotched Snake Eel (Ophichthus erabo)
scientific_name: Ophichthus erabo
common_name: Blotched Snake Eel
taxon: Snake eels
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-05T21:34:50.965Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:06:55.566Z
tags: Blotched Snake Eel, Ophichthus erabo, Snake eels, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/blotched-snake-eel
---

# Blotched Snake Eel (*Ophichthus erabo*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Snake eels (*Ophichthidae*)
- **Size:** 72 cm
- **Depth:** 1-155 m
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

Ophichthus erabo, commonly known as the blotched snake-eel, is a marine species of eel belonging to the family Ophichthidae. This subtropical eel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, with its range extending to South Africa, Japan, and Taiwan.

Characterized by its pale yellow coloration adorned with prominent rich brown semicircular spots, the pattern is more concentrated and frequent on the head of the eel.

The blotched snake-eel resides primarily on reefs and is adapted to a benthic lifestyle, typically forming burrows in the sand. It thrives at depths reaching up to 155 meters. Male individuals of this species can attain a maximum total length of 72 centimeters.

## Also known as

- **English:** Blotched Snake-eel, Blotched Snake Eel, Fowler's Snake Eel
- **Spanish:** Tieso pintado
- **Portuguese:** Falsa-moréia-insular
- **Czech:** hadař erabo
- **Japanese:** モンガラドオシ, Mongaradoshi
- **Chinese:** 斑紋蛇鰻, 硬骨仔, 硬骨篡

## Scientific synonyms

- *Microdonophis erabo* Jordan & Snyder, 1901
- *Ophichthus retifer* Fowler, 1935

## Range

South Africa

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/blotched-snake-eel)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*