Ray-finned Fishes of Zihuatanejo

CLASS ACTINOPTERYGII

-Tarpons, Eels, and Allies (Superorder Elopomorpha)

-True Eels (Order Anguilliformes)

-Suborder Congroidei

-Snake Eels (Family Ophichthidae)

-Subfamily Ophichthinae

-Genus Myrichthys

-Tiger Snake Eel (Myrichthys xysturus)

The Tiger Snake Eel (Myrichthys xysturus) is a striking, elongated eel distinguished by its creamy or yellowish body covered with irregular dark brown or black spots, creating a mottled pattern. Reaching lengths of around 60 to 80 centimeters, this eel inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms in tropical and subtropical coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, often burying itself with only its head exposed. It is a nocturnal predator that feeds mainly on small crustaceans and fish. Despite its snake-like form, it is harmless to humans and relies on its camouflage and burrowing behavior for protection.

Diet

A carnivorous snake-eel that feeds on bottom-dwelling animals, including small fishes, crustaceans, worms, gastropods and bivalves. Cephalopods such as octopuses and squid may also be taken.

Range

The Spotted Snake-eel is endemic to the tropical eastern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of California and central Baja California southward to northern Peru. It occurs along the Pacific coast of Mexico, including the Zihuatanejo region.

Habitat

It is a demersal species found on rocky and rubble bottoms, generally in shallow coastal water from about 5–60 m. It spends much of its time close to or partially concealed within the bottom substrate.

Description

The Spotted Snake-eel is an elongated, cylindrical eel reaching about 74 cm. The rear body is laterally compressed, and the tail ends in a blunt, hard, finless tip. The snout is short and conical, with blunt, molar-like or granular teeth arranged in several rows. The front nostril is tubular, while the rear nostril opens into the mouth. The dorsal fin begins on the head, behind the nape and ahead of the gill opening. Its yellowish-white body is covered with large dark grey to black oval spots arranged in a distinctive giraffe-like pattern, with spots also present on the chin and throat.