Blotched snake-eel (Ophichthus erabo)

Image source: Jo's Animal Database
General data
- Main name: Blotched snake-eel
- Climates: Tropical, Subtropical
- Habitat: Saltwater
- Native: Africa, Asia
- Distribution: Pacific Ocean, Indian ocean
Classification
- Genus: Ophichthus - Ophichthus
- Family: Ophichthidae - Snake Eels
- Order: Anguilliformes - Eels and morays
- Class: Teleostei - Ray-finned fishes
- Superclass: Osteichthyes - Bony fishes
Description
It is a marine, subtropical eel which is known from the Indo-Pacific, including South Africa, Japan and Taiwan. It dwells at a maximum depth of 155 metres, inhabits reefs and leads a benthic life, forming burrows in sand. Males can reach a maximum total length of 72 centimetres. Pale yellow, boldly marked with rich brown semicircular spots which are smaller and more numerous on head.