|
| |
Family Ophichtyidae
Snake Eels
|
Most Snake eels have elongate cylindrical bodies with a
sharp tail used for burrowing. They have small pectoral fins and low
marginal fins. They are common in Hawaii but are rarely seen since they
spend most of the time hiding.
|
HAWAII
Myrichthys
magnificus
Kaka`ako, Oahu, 35 feet
|
Fish Hole, Midway Atoll, 50 feet
|
Waikiki Aquarium |
USS Macaw, Midway Atoll, 40 feet |
MAGNIFICENT SNAKE EEL
|
The most frequently seen species in Hawaii.
Endemic to Hawaii. Found on mixed reef at scuba depths. Eyes small, cream with oval brown spots.
Attains 3 feet. Formely reported as M. maculosus.
|
Leiuranus semicinctus
Koloa Landing, Kaua'i, 20 feet
|
Koloa Landing, Kaua'i, 20 feet |
Koloa Landing, Kaua'i, 20 feet |
Koloa Landing, Kaua'i, 20 feet |
|
|
|
|
SADDLED SNAKE EEL
|
Common in shallow sandy areas but remains hidden until dark and
therefore rarely seen. Up to 26 inches. Hawaii & the
Indo-Pacific.
|
Callechelys
lutea
Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 15 feet
|
Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, 15 feet |
Kahekili Point, Maui |
|
|
|
|
|
FRECKLED SNAKE EEL
| Uncommon in sand. Reaches 5 feet. Endemic to
Hawaii. |
Callechelys
marmorata
|
Kewalo, Oahu, 90 feet |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARBLED SNAKE EEL
|
Rarely reported from Hawaii. Spots on head are
smaller than C. lutea. Reaches 3 feet.
Indo-Pacific. ID of photo not confirmed.
|
Ophichthus
fowleri
Angel Ledge, Midway Atoll, 100 feet |
|
FOWLER'S
SNAKE EEL
|
Very rare hiding in rubble in deep water.
Dark brown with reticulated turtle-shell pattern. Attains at least 3 feet.
Endemic to Hawaii.
|
Apterichtus
klazingai
Puako, Hawaii, 70 feet |
|
|
|
FRECKLED
SNAKE EEL
|
Rarely seen
in sand at any depth. Attains 10 inches. Hawaii &
scattered localities of the Indo-Pacific.
|
|
