Banded Snake Eel

The Banded Snake Eel is named after its black bands that pattern its body, also known as ringed or harlequin snake eel.

Banded Snake Eel
Banded Snake Eel hunting on the sea bed, Daymaniyat Islands, Oman
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Description

The Banded Snake Eel (Myrichthys colubrinus) is a species of eel found in the Atlantic, Indian and West Pacific oceans. It is also known as a harlequin snake eel, Ringed snake eel, or Tesselated snake eel. The eel is named after its black bands that pattern the length of its body. These eels can grow to 60cm in length, although usually less. They are generally found hiding in the coral reefs in the day and hunting the along the reef at night.

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Snorkeling Video

Banded Moray Eel hunting along the coral reef, Daymaniyat Islands.
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Habitat

These eels live in shallow coral reefs, sandy bottoms, commonly found in the Atlantic, Indian and West Pacific oceans.

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Diet

They eat small invertebrates and small fish that they capture by hunting along the coral reef and capturing prey with their sharp teeth.

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Appearance

Banded Snake Eel’s are named after its black bands that pattern the length of its body. These eels can grow up to 60cm in length, although usually less.

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Key Features

  • Distinctive black and yellow banded pattern that covers the length of its body.
  • Small dorsal fin that runs along the top of its body.
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Threats

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concerned

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Frequently Asked Questions

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