The Whip snake eel (Bascanichthys paulensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 62 cm.
Description
The whip snake eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sand and estuarine water of the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an extraordinarily thin, thread-like, pale body with a pointed, hard tail tip with which it burrows backwards into the soft bottom. As a bottom-dweller it lives almost entirely buried and snaps at small worms and crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whip snake eel?
The Whip snake eel has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Whip snake eel live?
The Whip snake eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Whip snake eel get?
The Whip snake eel grows to a maximum of about 62 cm.
Is the Whip snake eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Whip snake eel is harmless to humans.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bascanichthys
More from the family Ophichthidae
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