Tiger snake eelMyrichthys maculosus
Category
- Seagrass
Description
Myrichthys maculosus is an eel from the Ophichthidae family. It is also commonly known as the Spotted Snake Eel or Ocellate Snake Eel[1]. Overall body colour is pale cream with large and small black spots all over. The head is small with a small snout having a pair of nostrils pointing downwards. Teeth are arranged in two rows on each jaw and there are two rows on the palate as well. Its dorsal fins are found behind the head, at the same level as the small pectoral fins, while the anal fins start at the middle of the body, ending right before the tip of the tail. It has 185 to 199 vertebrae. There are no scales and its body is covered with mucus. Younger eels have black saddles[2].
Habitat and ecology
This species is present across the Indo-Pacific region. Recorded depth range is between o to 262 m. It can be found in sandy areas of reef flats, lagoons, seagrass meadows, seaward reefs. The diet of the Tiger snake eel consists of fish and crustaceans. It is usually a nocturnal species[1].
Conservation and management
The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated yet.
Did you know?
It can reach a maximum of 100 cm.
