Animal Species:Harlequin Snake Eel, Myrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert, 1781)

Identification

The Harlequin Snake Eel can be recognised by its long slender body and colouration. It is white with 25 to 32 black bands that encircle the body. As a fish ages, black spots may develop between the rings.

Size range

It grows to about 90 cm in length.

Distribution

It occurs in marine waters of the Indo-West and Central Pacific. In Australia it is known from the south-western coast of Western Australia, around the tropical north and south on the east coast to northern New South Wales.

Distribution by collection data

Biomaps map of Harlequin Snake Eel specimens in the Australian Museum collection.

What does this mean?

Habitat

The Harlequin Snake Eel is a burrowing species that lives in sandy areas of coral reefs and inshore waters.

Classification

Species:

colubrinus

Genus:

Myrichthys

Family:

Ophichthidae

Order:

Anguilliformes

Class:

Actinopterygii

Subphylum:

Vertebrata

Phylum:

Chordata

Kingdom:

Animalia

What does this mean?

References

1. Allen, G.R. 1997. Marine Fishes of Tropical Australia and South-east Asia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 292.
2. Allen, G.R. & R. Swainston. 1988. The Marine Fishes of North-Western Australia. A Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 201.
3. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
4. Kuiter, R.H. 1996. Guide to Sea Fishes of Australia. New Holland. Pp. 433.
5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.

Mark McGrouther , Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated: 22 August 2011

Tags Ichthyology, Fishes, Harlequin Snake Eel, Myrichthys colubrinus, Ophichthidae,