Common name: Burrowing snake eel
General information
The Mud Eel, scientifically known as Pisodonophis cancrivorus, is a unique species of eel found in brackish and marine waters. It is not a true eel but belongs to the family Ophichthidae, commonly referred to as snake eels. This species is known for its elongated body and ability to burrow into the substrate, making it an interesting addition to larger, species-specific aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 50 cm (1′8″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrate
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on small inverts
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on ornamental shrimp
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive to small fish
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilySnake EelsOphichthidae
- GenusHinge-beak ShrimpPisodonophis
- SpeciesBurrowing snake eelPisodonophis cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)
- SynonymsMyrophis chrysogaster Macleay, 1881Ophichthus chilkensis Chaudhuri, 1916Ophichthus madagascariensis Fourmanoir, 1961Ophichthys cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)Ophichthys madagascariensis Fourmanoir, 1961Ophisurus baccidens Cantor, 1849Ophisurus brachysoma Bleeker, 1853Ophisurus cancrivomer Richardson, 1848Ophisurus cancrivorus Richardson, 1848Ophisurus nigrepinnis Liénard, 1842Ophisurus schaapi Bleeker, 1852Ophisurus sinensis Richardson, 1848Ophiurus baccidens Cantor, 1849Pisodonophis cancricorus (Richardson, 1848)Pisodonophis cancrivorous (Richardson, 1848)Pisodonophis chilkensis (Chaudhuri, 1916)Pisodonphis cancrivorus Richardson, 1848Pisoodonophis cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)
Care
Caring for Mud Eels requires an aquarium setup that mimics their natural habitat. A deep sand bed is essential for them to burrow and hide, as this behavior is crucial for their well-being. They are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as shrimp, fish, and squid. It is important to ensure that food reaches the bottom of the tank where the eel resides.
Reproduction
Reproduction in captivity is rare for Mud Eels. In the wild, they exhibit unique reproductive behaviors, including the laying of eggs in burrows. Understanding their breeding habits is still a subject of ongoing research.
Habitat
Pisodonophis cancrivorus is typically found in coastal regions, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. They are adept at navigating the muddy bottoms of their habitats and can often be found buried with only their heads exposed. Their distribution ranges across the Indo-West Pacific, from the east coast of Africa to the western shores of the Pacific Ocean.