A medium-sized tropical snake eel. Elongate body, 174-183 vertebrae, pectoral fins absent. Prominent fleshy ridge from middle of snout to base of dorsal fin. Colour. Base colour yellowish white to cream overlain by chocolate to black spots on body and fins. Head with smaller, eye-sized spots and freckles on Smaller specimens (25 cm) have a slightly larger head and shorter tail, and generally less dark coloration. Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 87 cm TL. This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It has not been recorded in the artisanal fishery, but larger specimens may be subject This species is unmistakable in its coloration, in having biserial vomerine dentition, and a notable fleshy ridge between its snout and the origin of its Bray, D.J. (2021). Callechelys marmorata in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2891 (07/04/23).
English Name: Marbled snake eel
Creole Name:
French Name: Anguille-serpent marbrée
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)
Description:
Dentition: a pair of stout teeth at intermaxillary, surrounded by papillae jaw teeth minute, 8-10 in maxillary, 12-16 on dentary; vomerine teeth neatly
biserial, 3-4 pairs followed by 1 or 2 single smaller teeth.
chin. Fins with black spots onto bases, their margins black nearly throughout.
Size:
Habitat and Ecology:
Fishery Status:
to the handline fishery.
Notes:
dorsal fin.
Photographed at Baie Ternay, Mahe.
References:
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2023). FishBase. Callechelys marmorata. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/12889# (07/04/23).
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Callechelys marmorata in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK.
McCosker, J.E. (1998). A revision of the snake-eel genus Callechelys (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) with the description of two new Indo-Pacific species
and a new Callechelyin genus. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 50(7):185-215.
McCosker, J. et al. (2022). Callechelys marmorata. The IUCN Red List 2022: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T199340A2584816.en. (07/04/23).
Smith, J.L.B. & Smith, M.M. (1963). The Fishes of Seychelles. Department of Ichthyology. Rhodes University. Grahamstown.
Fish Family:
Scientific Name: Callechelys marmorata