Muraenichthys schultzei Bleeker, 1857
Maimed snake eel
Muraenichthys schultzei
photo by Devarapalli, P.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  24 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 19 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref. 68964), Red Sea (Ref. 33390) and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Australia; Caroline and Marshall islands in Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 0-0. Description: Characterized by pale greyish brown color; head length 7-10 in TL; body depth 20-30 in TL; origin of dorsal fin posterior to anal fin origin; rear margin of eye well anterior to corner of mouth; bluntly rounded snout; without pectoral fins; base of anterior nostril slightly behind tip of chin; posterior nostril outside of mouth; dorsal and anal fins confluent with caudal fin; soft and flexible tail tip; teeth in broad bands on maxillary, dentary and vomer (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in reef flats and lagoons to at least 13 m. Burrows in soft bottoms (Ref. 30573). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Caught in bags or nets, or by digging (Ref. 30573). Used as shark bait (Ref. 30573).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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