Spotted Snake Eel

Myrichthys maculosus, also known as the tiger snake eel, the ocellate snake eel, or the spotted snake eel, is a species of fish belonging to the family Ophichthidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region and can reach a maximum length of 1 meter (40 inches).

This elongated fish, resembling a snake, typically grows to around 50 centimeters (20 inches) in size. It has a small head with a short snout and long tubular nostrils that point downwards. The jaws are equipped with two rows of teeth, and there are two additional rows of teeth on the palate. The dorsal fin originates just behind the head, while the anal fin starts midway along the body and both extend near the tail tip. There are no pelvic or caudal fins, and the pectoral fins are small in size. The body coloration of this fish is typically cream or yellow, adorned with large circular or oval spots in brown or black. Younger individuals have a single longitudinal row of spots, while larger individuals may have up to three rows.

The natural habitat of Myrichthys maculosus extends throughout the tropical and warm temperate Indo-Pacific region. Its range spans from East Africa and the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇵🇫 French Polynesia and the Galápagos Islands, and from 🇯🇵 Japan to eastern 🇦🇺 Australia. However, this species is absent in Hawaii (🇺🇸 United States), where it is replaced by another species called the magnificent snake eel (Myrichthys magnificus). Tiger snake eels are commonly found in various habitats such as lagoons, reef flats, seagrass beds, and sandy plains. They can be encountered at depths of up to 260 meters (850 feet).

Although primarily nocturnal, these eels may sometimes be observed swimming over sandy or vegetated areas during the daytime. Most of their daylight hours are spent buried in sand, with the tail being the first to enter the substrate. They possess a strong sense of smell, which aids in locating their prey. Their diet mainly consists of crustaceans, banded snake eels, and other small fish that are also buried in the sediment. Occasionally, large aggregations of Myrichthys maculosus can be observed at sites with artificial lighting during the nighttime. Despite their widespread distribution, little is currently known about their reproductive behavior. They have separate sexes, and their larvae, known as leptocephali, have a distinctive leaf-like shape.