Purplebanded Snake Eel, Ophichthus bonaparti (Kaup, 1856)
Scientific name: Ophichthus bonaparti
Introduction
The Purplebanded Snake Eel is a shy fish that can be recognised by its characterisitc pattern of orange and brown marbling and spots.
Identification
The Purplebanded Snake Eel can be recognised by the pattern of orange and brown marbling and spots on the head and 18 to 27 brown saddles across the body.
Habitat
The Purplebanded Snake Eel lives in burrows in soft inshore seabeds. It is sometimes seen by divers during the day, but will disappear down its burrow if approached too quickly.
References
- Anon, 1999. Coral Realm Species Profiles [online] http://www.coralrealm.com/sample4.html
- Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
- Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno & T. Yoshino. 1984. The Fishes of the Japanese Archipelago. Tokai University Press. Vols 1-3. Pp. 456. Pls. 1-378.
- Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330.