Highfin snake eel
📖 Overview
A benthic and burrowing species which occurs over soft bottoms of inshore waters . Feeds on cephalopodes, crustaceans and small fishes . Solitary in sand, often with head protruding (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 177 - 182. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters (based on >15 cm TL): HL 9.5-10.9% TL; tail length 58.1-65.6% TL, tapering rapidly; snout acute, its length 20.0-24.4% HL; preopercular pores 3; teeth on upper jaw uniserial, teeth on vomer biserial anteriorly and uniserial posteriorly; dorsal-fin origin anterior to a vertical through pectoral-fin insertion; lateral-line pores, 7-9 predorsal and 55-61 preanal; pectoral-fin rays 16-18; vertebrae. 8-9 predorsal, 52-59 preanal and 177-182 total; mean vertebral formula 9-57-179. Colouration: anterior dorsal-fin membrane with a distinct dark blotch; cephalic sensory pores are margined dark brown; additional rows of black pits on snout, cheek and lower jaw; body without obscure bars (alive and preserved) .Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Highfin snake eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 20 m . Tropical
🌿 Ecology
cephalopodes, crustaceans and small fishes (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microdonophis altipennis | Kaup | 1856 | Synonym |
| Ophichthus altipinnis | Kaup | 1856 | Synonym |
| Ophichthus melanochir | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
| Ophichthys melanochir | Bleeker | 1864 | Synonym |
| Pisodonophis zophistius | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
| Pisodonophis zophistus | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
| Pisoodonophis zophistius | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet - be the first to log one!
View all observations for Highfin snake eel ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.