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.

Maturity: Unknown. Max length: 97 cm TL.
 

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.

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

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

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

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/