African spoon-nose eel

The African spoon-nose eel (Mystriophis rostellatus, also known commonly as the West coast snake eel or simply Snake eel,[2]) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).[3] It was described by John Richardson in 1848.[4] It is a tropical, marine eel which is known from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including Mauritania and Namibia. It is known to dwell at an approximate depth of 40 metres, and inhabits lagoons and coastal waters. It leads a benthic lifestyle, burrowing into sand and mud. Males can reach a maximum total length of 140 centimetres, but more commonly reach a TL of 80 cm.[3]

African spoon-nose eel
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Mystriophis
Species:
M. rostellatus
Binomial name
Mystriophis rostellatus
(Richardson, 1848)
Synonyms[1]
  • Ophisurus rostellatus Richardson, 1848
  • Ophichthys rostellatus (Richardson, 1848)

The African spoon-nose eel feeds primarily off of small finfish, shrimps and crabs.[5] It is of minor commercial interest to fisheries.[3]

References
  1. Synonyms of Mystriphis restellatus at www.fishbase.org.
  2. Common names for Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org.
  3. Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org.
  4. Richardson, J., 1844-48 [ref. 3740] Ichthyology of the voyage of H. M. S. Erebus & Terror,... In: J. Richardson & J. E. Gray. The zoology of the voyage of H. H. S. "Erebus & Terror," under the command of Captain Sir J. C. Ross ... during ... 1839-43. London. v. 2 (2): i-viii + 1-139, Pls. 1-60.
  5. Food items reported for Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org.


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