Description:

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. 
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. 

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 
chin. Fins with black spots onto bases, their margins black nearly throughout.

Smaller specimens (25 cm) have a slightly larger head and shorter tail, and generally less dark coloration.
 

Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 87 cm TL.
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Reef-associated, cryptic species inhabits shallow areas beneath loose gravel and sand (depth 2-37 m) usually with its head poking from the sand.
 

Fishery Status:

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 
to the handline fishery. 

Notes:

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 
dorsal fin. 
Photographed at Baie Ternay, Mahe. 

References:

Bray, D.J. (2021). Callechelys marmorata in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2891 (07/04/23). 
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. 
 

Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2023). Callechelys marmorata, Marbled snake eel. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/callechelys-marmorata-bleeker-1854/