Fringelip Snake Eeel
Fishes · Bony fishes · Snake eels

Fringelip Snake Eeel

Cirrhimuraena playfairii (Günther, 1870)
syn. Jenkinsiella playfairi, Jenkinsiella playfairii, Microdonophis macgregori, Ophichthys arenicola, Ophichthys playfairii
39 cmLeast Concern
843

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).

Why it's threatened

There are no known major threats.

Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.

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Last Update: June 28, 2026