---
title: Fringelip Snake Eeel (Cirrhimuraena playfairii)
scientific_name: Cirrhimuraena playfairii
common_name: Fringelip Snake Eeel
taxon: Snake eels
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-25T18:50:10.818Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:22:48.822Z
tags: Fringelip Snake Eeel, Cirrhimuraena playfairii, Snake eels, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/fringelip-snake-eeel
---

# Fringelip Snake Eeel (*Cirrhimuraena playfairii*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Snake eels (*Ophichthidae*)
- **Size:** 39 cm
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The fringelip snake-eel (Cirrhimuraena playfairii) is a species within the Ophichthidae family, commonly referred to as worm or snake eels. This species was first described by the renowned ichthyologist Albert Günther in 1870. It inhabits marine tropical environments within the Indo-Pacific region, with recorded locations including Zanzibar, Tanzania, Kosi Bay in South Africa, and the Hawaiian Islands. While primarily benthic in nature, the fringelip snake-eel occasionally exhibits pelagic behavior. Its coloration is predominantly olive brown, with a lighter ventral region. Male specimens of this species have been observed to attain a maximum total length of 39 centimeters (15 inches).

## Also known as

- **English:** fringelip snake-eel
- **Czech:** hadař zanzibarský
- **Japanese:** ショウキウミヘビ, Shokiumihebi

## Scientific synonyms

- *Jenkinsiella playfairi* (Günther, 1870)
- *Jenkinsiella playfairii* (Günther, 1870)
- *Microdonophis macgregori* Jenkins, 1903
- *Ophichthys arenicola* Klunzinger, 1871
- *Ophichthys playfairii* Günther, 1870

## Range

Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/fringelip-snake-eeel)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*