🐍 Banded Snake Eel (Myrichthys colubrinus)
🐍 Banded Snake Eel (Myrichthys colubrinus)
Sea Snake Mimic • Burrowing Eel • Exotic Predator
📋 The Banded Snake Eel is a striking marine eel known for its black and white banded body, which closely mimics the pattern of the venomous sea snake (Laticauda). This mimicry serves as a natural defense against predators in the wild.
Although snake-like in appearance, this species is an eel, not a true sea snake. It spends much of its time buried in sandy substrates, with only its head exposed. At night, it becomes more active, hunting small fish and crustaceans.
With its dramatic coloration, snake mimicry, and unique burrowing behavior, the Banded Snake Eel is an exotic showpiece for large marine aquariums, though best suited for advanced keepers.
💡 Highlights
✨ Sea Snake Mimic – bold black-and-white bands deter predators
⚪ Burrowing Lifestyle – spends time in sand with head exposed
📏 Large Size – grows up to 90 cm (36")
✅ Unique Pattern – dramatic stripes stand out in aquariums
🐠 Advanced Care – best kept by experienced aquarists
🧾 A Quick Look at the Banded Snake Eel
📛 Common Name: Banded Snake Eel, Harlequin Snake Eel
🔬 Scientific Name: Myrichthys colubrinus
👨👩👧 Family: Ophichthidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific – Red Sea, East Africa to Fiji
📏 Max Size: 80 – 90 cm (32 – 36")
💧 pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4 (marine)
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive, predatory
🪸 Reef Safe: ❌ No
🏠 Min Tank Size: 400 L (100+ US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Substrate burrower (sand)
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 10+ years with proper care
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore – crustaceans, fish, meaty foods
🐣 Reproduction: Oviparous (rarely seen in captivity)

















