Longfin snake-eel
📖 Overview
Occurs in lagoons and estuaries, entering freshwater . Often in tidal channels where loose groups congregate, and usually seen with just the head exposed . Caught most often in tidal areas and estuaries . Caught in bag nets and similar gear. Marketed fresh .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Vertebrae: 152 - 163. Teeth molariform, multiserial on jaws, intermaxillary and vomer; dorsal fin with broad dark edge . Dorsal fin beginning above pectoral fin . Body snake-like, cylindrical, compressed only along extreme tail tip; anterior nostril tubular, posterior nostril along lower edge of lip; median fins not continuous posteriorly; extreme tip of tail stiff and finless; dorsal fin origin over front to middle portion of pectoral fins; lateral line inconspicuous . Variable from grey to black or brown. Large individuals have wrinkled skin . : eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Longfin snake-eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; reef-associated; anadromous ; depth range 1 - 20 m . Tropical East Africa to French Polynesia, north to the Ogasawara Islands, south to Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Myrophis chrysogaster | Macleay | 1881 | Synonym |
| Ophichthus chilkensis | Chaudhuri | 1916 | Heterotypic |
| Ophichthus madagascariensis | Fourmanoir | 1961 | Synonym |
| Ophichthys cancrivorus | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Ophichthys madagascariensis | Fourmanoir | 1961 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus baccidens | Cantor | 1849 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus brachysoma | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus cancrivomer | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus cancrivorus | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus nigrepinnis | Liénard | 1842 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus schaapii | Bleeker | 1852 | Synonym |
| Ophisurus sinensis | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Ophiurus baccidens | Cantor | 1849 | Synonym |
| Pisodonophis cancricorus | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Pisodonophis cancrivorous | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Pisodonophis chilkensis | Chaudhuri | 1916 | Heterotypic |
| Pisodonphis cancrivorus | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
| Pisoodonophis cancrivorus | Richardson | 1848 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 5 records indexed .
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