Where are snake eels found?

They are found worldwide in tropical to warm temperate waters and occupy habitats from coastal shallows and rivers to depths below 800 m.

What do snake eels eat?

Most feed on crustaceans and small fish, typically by hiding in substrate and ambushing prey.

How large do snake eels get?

Species range from about 5 cm to 2.3 m or more in total length.

Why do some snake eels look like sea snakes?

Many are spotted or striped, a coloration that mimics venomous sea snakes and may deter predators.

Do snake eels burrow?

Yes; many species are burrowing bottom dwellers that hide in mud or sand, and some lack fins to help with burrowing.

Are snake eels ever found ashore?

Individuals are often washed ashore by large storms.

Are all snake eels bottom dwellers?

Most are bottom dwellers, but some species are pelagic.

What does the name "Ophichthidae" mean?

The name comes from Greek: ophis meaning "serpent" and ichthys meaning "fish."

Where to See Snake Eel While Diving

Snake eels (family Ophichthidae) are named for their long, cylindrical, snake-like bodies. They occur worldwide in tropical to warm temperate waters and inhabit a wide range of habitats from coastal shallows and rivers to depths below 800 m. Most species are bottom dwellers that hide in mud or sand to capture prey such as crustaceans and small fish; some species are pelagic. Species in this family vary widely in size, from about 5 cm to 2.3 m or more. Many lack fins to aid burrowing, and many are spotted or striped, a pattern that mimics venomous sea snakes to deter predators. Large storms sometimes wash individuals ashore.

Mostly bottom-dwelling and burrowing in mud or sand; some species are pelagic.

Feeds on crustaceans and small fish, typically by ambush from substrate.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Padangbai and Candidasa, Phuket, Anilao + Batangas (Verde Island Passage) and countries such as Philippines, Indonesia, New Zealand for divers building trips around snake eels.