Body shape
Long, cylindrical, snake-like bodies adapted for burrowing.
Snake Eel
Ophichthidae
Snake eels are long, cylindrical eels found worldwide in tropical to warm temperate waters, often living in mud or sand and feeding on crustaceans and small fish.
snake eelsburrowing eels
Species Guide
What to know about snake eels
A clean field guide focused on habitat, identification, behavior, and conservation context without burying the useful parts.
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.
Identification
How to identify snake eels
The visual markers divers can use underwater, plus the species most likely to cause confusion.
