Sharptail Eel

Myrichthys breviceps (syn. M. acuminatus) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels) native to the Western Atlantic.

Description

It has diffuse, yellow spots on a gray back and white belly. Spots are small on the head, larger on the body. Males can reach a maximum total length of 51 centimetres (20 in).

Distribution and habitat

The eel occurs not uncommonly along the coasts of the Caribbean sea, on sea grass beds and on reefs. It dwells at a depth range of 44 to 64 metres (144 to 210 ft), and inhabits sandy substrates. Although mainly night active, they may also be seen foraging during daylight. Food is small invertebrates like crabs.

Due to its moderately widespread distribution in the eastern Pacific, lack of known threats, and lack of observed population decline, the IUCN redlist currently lists the Longfin spotted snake-eel as Least Concern.