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Myrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert, 1781)
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Myrichthys colubrinus (Boddaert, 1781)
  • Photo. (c) 2023 Chris Mason-Parker.
  • Photo. (c) 2023 Chris Mason-Parker.
Genus: ,

Scientific Name: Myrichthys colubrinus

English Name: Harlequin snake eel

Creole Name:

French Name: Anguille-serpent annelée

IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC)



Information

Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Dorsal rays: 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal rays: 0.

Body elongated, head terminates in a blunt snout and mouth containing two rows of granular teeth. Anal fin ends well in advance of end of dorsal fin. 
Vertebrae: 190 - 202.

Colour: White with broad dark bands that encircle the body and are darker towards the head. Adults often develop dark spots in the pale interspaces.


Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 97 cm TL.
 


Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits lagoons and coastal reefs, associated with seagrass and sandy areas (depth 0-35 m). Benthic burrowing species, usually buried in the sand during 
the day. Feeds on small fishes and crustaceans.


Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery.


Notes:

Photographed at Baie Ternay, Mahé. 
Similar in appearance to the venomous sea snake Laticauda colubrina, but is completely harmless.


References:

Bray, D.J. (2022). Myrichthys colubrinus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2898 (26/06/23). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. Myrichthys colubrinus. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/8053 (26/06/23).
McCosker, J. et al. (2022). Myrichthys colubrinus. The IUCN Red List 2022: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T199080A2556736.en. (26/06/23).
McGrouther, M. (2021). Harlequin Snake Eel, Myrichthys colubrinus. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/harlequin-snake-eel-myrichthys-colubrinus-boddaert-1781/ (26/06/23).   
Mason-Parker, C. et al. (2021). Myrichthys colubrinus in Reef Fishes of Seychelles. John Beaufoy Publishing Ltd, UK


Citation:

Mason-Parker, C. & Nevill, J.E.G. (2023). Myrichthys colubrinus, Banded snake eel. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/myrichthys-colubrinus-boddaert-1781/


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