denise
07-05-2009, 06:48 PM
http://www.scubadiver.cc/forums/gallery/files/1/3/0/3/snakeeel.jpg
Photo by Patricia Simone, taken at Blue Heron Bridge
Snake eels are often mistaken for sea snakes (no sea snakes live around Florida), but they can be easily distinguished from snakes (and other eels) as they have strong, sharply pointed tails. They use their tails to wriggle backwards and rapidly bury themselves in rubble or sand when threatened or frightened. Once snake eels are in the safety of their burrows, they raise their heads a few inches above the sand, lying in wait for small fish or invertebrates to pass within striking range.
Snake eels usually have a spotted or striped body, mimicking the appearance of poisonous sea snakes, probably an adaption to deter predators. Snake eels are quite benign species, and will not bit unless provoked. They do not have a venomous bite.
Another distinguishing key to identify snake eels is a pair of highly prominent nostrils on the front of their head.
Most species of sea snakes hide during the day and swim out in the open under the cover of darkness.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/ReticulateMoray.jpg
Sharptail eel, Myrichthys breviceps, heading for cover
The sharptail eel is a shallow water species, that feeds mainly at night on crabs. During the day they hide in grassy or rubble areas, in burrows beneath the sand. They are not very common in Florida. This specimen was spotted off Marathon Key.
http://www.dayo.com/images/forum/sharptaileeldebbie_1.jpg
Closeup of a sharptail eel, Myrichthys breviceps, Blue Heron Bridge
Photo by Debbie Buck
Photo by Patricia Simone, taken at Blue Heron Bridge
Snake eels are often mistaken for sea snakes (no sea snakes live around Florida), but they can be easily distinguished from snakes (and other eels) as they have strong, sharply pointed tails. They use their tails to wriggle backwards and rapidly bury themselves in rubble or sand when threatened or frightened. Once snake eels are in the safety of their burrows, they raise their heads a few inches above the sand, lying in wait for small fish or invertebrates to pass within striking range.
Snake eels usually have a spotted or striped body, mimicking the appearance of poisonous sea snakes, probably an adaption to deter predators. Snake eels are quite benign species, and will not bit unless provoked. They do not have a venomous bite.
Another distinguishing key to identify snake eels is a pair of highly prominent nostrils on the front of their head.
Most species of sea snakes hide during the day and swim out in the open under the cover of darkness.
http://www.scubadiver.cc/fishid/ReticulateMoray.jpg
Sharptail eel, Myrichthys breviceps, heading for cover
The sharptail eel is a shallow water species, that feeds mainly at night on crabs. During the day they hide in grassy or rubble areas, in burrows beneath the sand. They are not very common in Florida. This specimen was spotted off Marathon Key.
http://www.dayo.com/images/forum/sharptaileeldebbie_1.jpg
Closeup of a sharptail eel, Myrichthys breviceps, Blue Heron Bridge
Photo by Debbie Buck