Saddled Snake Eel

White to yellow with 25-30 black saddles (Ref. 3972).Description: Characterized by head length 12-15 in TL; body depth 35-60 in TL; preanal length 2.1-2.3 in TL; dorsal fin origin above or slightly posterior to gill opening; relatively large eye above middle of gape; intermaxilla with about five nearly recumbent, small canine teeth in ventral groove under snout; small and uniserial remaining teeth in jaws; teeth in vomer absent or occasionally with 1-3 small teeth (Ref. 90102).

Rises to the surface to spawn. Once there, one or more males may seize a female by the back of the neck and remain attached for hours before spawning occurs.

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 0; Vertebrae: 162 - 171

Inhabits coral reefs (Ref. 58534). Occurs in sandy areas and seagrass beds of both lagoon and seaward reefs. Uses its stiff pointed tail to rapidly burrow backwards into the sand when frightened (Ref. 37816). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on sand-dwelling fishes and crabs and prawns. Sometimes fully exposed when searching for prey (Ref. 30874). Rises to the surface to spawn (Ref. 37816).

Occurs in sandy areas and seagrass beds of both lagoon and seaward reefs. Uses its stiff pointed tail to rapidly burrow backwards into the sand when frightened (Ref. 37816). Benthic (Ref. 58302). Feeds on sand-dwelling fishes and crabs and prawns. Sometimes fully exposed when searching for prey (Ref. 30874). Rises to the surface to spawn (Ref. 37816).