Common name: Napoleon snake eel

General information

The Bonaparte's Snake Eel, scientifically known as Ophichthus bonaparti, is a fascinating marine species that resembles a snake but is actually an eel. This species is part of the Ophichthidae family, which is known for its elongated, serpentine body shape. The Bonaparte's Snake Eel is characterized by its distinctive coloration, with a pale body and dark saddles across its back, which provides excellent camouflage against the sandy ocean floor.

Care

Caring for a Bonaparte's Snake Eel in a home aquarium requires attention to detail, as they are adept burrowers and can escape from tanks if not properly secured. A deep sand bed is essential to mimic their natural habitat and allow for their burrowing behavior. They are carnivorous, feeding on small fish and invertebrates, so it's important to provide a diet that includes live or frozen foods such as shrimp, squid, and marine fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, snake eels like the Bonaparte's Snake Eel engage in fascinating reproductive behaviors, including the laying of eggs in burrows. However, breeding them in captivity is quite challenging and not commonly done in home aquariums.

Habitat

Bonaparte's Snake Eel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to Australia. They inhabit sandy and muddy bottoms in coastal waters, often burying themselves with only their heads exposed to ambush prey.