Common name: Many-eyed snake-eel

Scientific name: Ophichthus polyophthalmus Bleeker, 1864
Many-eyed Snake Eel (Ophichthus Polyophthalmus, aka Large-spotted Snake Eel), Sticking up Its Head from the Sand. Padang Bai, Bali, Indonesia
Large Spotted Snake Eel, Gefleckter Schlangenaal (Ophichthus polyophthalmus)Yellow spotted snake eel, Ophichthus polyophthalmus, Alor Indonesia

General information

The Many-eyed Snake Eel, scientifically known as Ophichthus polyophthalmus, is a fascinating marine species that belongs to the family Ophichthidae. This eel is known for its elongated body and numerous eye-like spots along its length, which is where it gets its common name. The species is not commonly found in the aquarium trade, but it can be an interesting addition for advanced hobbyists who appreciate unique and less common marine creatures.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
200 liter (53 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
50 cm (1′8″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrate for burrowing
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys live or frozen meaty foods
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May be aggressive to smaller fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Snake Eels
    Ophichthidae
  6. Genus
    Snake Eels
    Ophichthus
  7. Species
    Many-eyed snake-eel
    Ophichthus polyophthalmus Bleeker, 1864
  8. Synonyms
    Caecula polyophthalmus (Bleeker, 1864)
    Ophichtchys polyophtalmus Bleeker, 1864
    Ophichthys bleekeri Volz, 1903
    Ophichthys polyophtalmus Bleeker, 1864
    Ophichtys polyophtalmus Bleeker, 1864

Care

Caring for the Many-eyed Snake Eel requires a specialized setup due to its burrowing nature. A deep sand bed is essential to allow for its natural digging behavior. The aquarium should be securely covered as these eels are known to be escape artists. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and shrimp. It's important to ensure that food reaches the bottom of the tank where the eel resides.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Ophichthus polyophthalmus in the wild or in captivity. In general, snake eels are not commonly bred in home aquariums, and most specimens are wild-caught.

Habitat

The Many-eyed Snake Eel is found in the Indo-Pacific region, often in sandy or muddy substrates near coral reefs. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters deep. Their burrowing behavior provides protection from predators and allows them to ambush prey.