Purplebanded Snake Eel, Ophichthus bonaparti (Kaup, 1856)
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.

© Grey McNeil
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.
Distribution
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
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.