Stargazer Snake Eel

Brachysomophis cirrocheilos is a benthic Marine fish belonging to the family Ophichthidae which refers to serpentine in shape fishes.

Description

The stargazer snake eel is a large sized fish which grows up to 159 cm (62 inches). Coloration is pale, overlain dorsally and along flanks with irregular brown smudges. A moderately elongate species with tail 51-58% and head 11-14% of TL. Dorsal fin arising well behind pectoral-fin tips. Pectoral fins are not elongate. Snout is moderate, about 3.2 in jaw. Jaws are elongate. Lower jaw extending beyond snout. Nostrils are in very short tubes in upper lip and closely associated. Labial fringe is well-developed but cirri not elongate on jaws, with cauliflower-like projections at tips. Center of eye is behind anterior 40% of jaw. Interorbital space and top of head are flat, dorsal head profile nearly flat from mid-head to snout tip. Head pores are inconspicuous. Free sensory neuromasts are not visible on nape. Teeth are conical. Numerous prominent barbels are on both lips. Outer row of maxillary teeth is not visible when are closed. Vertebrae: 135 - 140.

Distribution

It is widely distributed throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, Red Sea included, and of the western Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

It inhabits the sandy and muddy bottoms close to coastal reef between 1 and 10 meters deep (3 to 33 feet). The stargazer snake eel has nocturnal activity.