Home > Fishes > Eels > Snake eels > Callechelys lutea

Updated 7/5/2023

Family Ophichtyidae

HAWAII - ENDEMIC

Callechelys lutea   

Kailua Bay, Hawaii, 35 feet

 

 

 Kahekili Point, Maui

 

North Kihei, Maui

 

Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 15 feet

 

Mahukona, Hawaii

 

South Kohala, Hawaii

Kailua Bay, Hawaii, 35 feet

 

  

MOTTLED SNAKE EEL

Fairly common in sandy areas where it may be observed protruding a few inches out of the sand waiting for small fish or crustaceans to pass by.  Thick with a stubby pointed nose and small mouth, white or pale yellow with close-set irregular black spots that may be arranged into bars.  Attains 5 feet.  Endemic to Hawai'i.  The rare Callechelys marmorata has small widely-spaced black spots on the head.