Magnificent snake eel

Magnificent snake eel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Division: Teleostei
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Myrichthys
Species:
M. magnificus
Binomial name
Myrichthys magnificus
(Abbott, 1860)
Synonyms
  • Pisoodonophis magnifica Abbott, 1860
  • Ophichthys stypurus Smith & Swain, 1882
  • Ophichthus stypurus Smith & Swain, 1882

The magnificent snake eel (Myrichthys magnificus), also known as the Hawaiian spotted snake eel, is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels). The Hawaiian name for these creatures is Puhi La'au. It was described by Charles Conrad Abbott in 1860, originally under the genus Pisodonophis. It is a marine eel endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.

Description

The Hawaiian spotted snake eel is covered with dark brown spots on its white body. It can grow to be three feet in length. It has two pectoral fins close to its head, and it has one long dorsal fin starting at its head and running all the way down its back. These creatures swim much like how a snake moves on the ground.

Distribution and habitat

The Hawaiian spotted snake eel is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It dwell mostly underground in the sand of the Neritic zone which is right off the shore, but they are also said to be found at 10-860 feet below the ocean. They burrow using the pointed ends of their tails, and they keep pushing into the sand until they are completely hidden.

Diet

Hawaiian spotted snake eels usually hunt among the reefs or ocean floor. They eat crustaceans, small fish, and carrion. Sometimes they do not even leave their home; when a meal swims by their burrow, they launch out, grab it, and retreat back inside. They also hunt in the afternoon or at night as a pack.

References

  1. ↑ McCosker, J.; Tighe, K. & Smith, D.G. (2022). "Myrichthys magnificus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022 e.T199271A2576971. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T199271A2576971.en. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  2. ↑ Synonyms of Myrichthys magnificus at www.fishbase.org.
  3. ↑ Common names of Myrichthys magnificus at www.fishbase.org.
  4. ↑ Myrichthys magnificus at www.fishbase.org.
  5. ↑ Randall, John. Shore Fishes of Hawai'i. ISBN 0-8248-2182-3.
  6. ↑ Abbott, C. C. 1860 (before 30 Nov.) [ref. 15619] Description of new species of apodal fishes in the museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia v. 12: 475-479.
  7. 1 2 Hoover, John (1993). Hawaii's Fishes A Guide for Snorkelers Divers and Aquarists. Mutual Publishing. ISBN 1-56647-001-3.
  8. 1 2 3 "Snake Eels". Waikīkī Aquarium. 2013-11-21. Retrieved 2026-03-07.
  9. ↑ "ICUN Red List Magnificent Snake Eel". ICUN Red List.
  10. ↑ Randall, John (2007). Reef and Shore fishes of the Hawaiian Islands. ISBN 1-929054-03-3.
  11. ↑ Hoover, John. The Ultimate Guide Hawaiian Reef Fishes Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Whales, and Seals. Mutual Publishing. ISBN 1-56647-887-1.