Fauna
Species

Harlequin Snake Eel

Myrichthys colubrinus

Also known as Banded Snake Eel, Ringed Snake Eel, Harlequin Eel, Colubrine Snake Eel

Harlequin snake eels glide gracefully over shallow sandy flats and seagrass beds, using hardened, pointed tails to burrow backward into the substrate within seconds. Their striking black-and-white banded pattern represents a classic case of Batesian mimicry, deterring predators by imitating highly venomous sea kraits. Probing loose sediment with sensitive, tubular nostrils, they actively root out concealed crabs and stomatopods across coral reef margins.

MarineBurrowerBatesian Mimic
Harlequin Snake Eel reference1 / 7
(c) Ewout Knoester, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Ewout Knoester · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySmall Crabs, Mantis Shrimp, Small Benthic Fish
Predators
  • Reef Sharks
  • Groupers
  • Trevally
ThreatsCoastal development, reef degradation, and habitat loss
HabitatsShallow coral reefs, sandy lagoons, and seagrass meadows
Life span10–15 years
Classification
  1. FamilyOphichthidae
  2. SpeciesMyrichthys colubrinus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless and non-venomous; safe to observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Technique: Scan sandy channels and reef margins where only their banded heads poke above the seafloor.
  • Quiet Approach: Swim gently above the seabed without kicking up silt to avoid prompting them to burrow away.
  • Look-alike Distinction: Inspect the tail tip, which is pointed and fleshy without the paddle fin seen on true sea snakes.
Related species
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