Common name: Burrowing snake eel

Scientific name: Pisodonophis cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)

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

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
    Hinge-beak Shrimp
    Pisodonophis
  7. Species
    Burrowing snake eel
    Pisodonophis cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)
  8. Synonyms
    Myrophis chrysogaster Macleay, 1881
    Ophichthus chilkensis Chaudhuri, 1916
    Ophichthus madagascariensis Fourmanoir, 1961
    Ophichthys cancrivorus (Richardson, 1848)
    Ophichthys madagascariensis Fourmanoir, 1961
    Ophisurus baccidens Cantor, 1849
    Ophisurus brachysoma Bleeker, 1853
    Ophisurus cancrivomer Richardson, 1848
    Ophisurus cancrivorus Richardson, 1848
    Ophisurus nigrepinnis Liénard, 1842
    Ophisurus schaapi Bleeker, 1852
    Ophisurus sinensis Richardson, 1848
    Ophiurus baccidens Cantor, 1849
    Pisodonophis cancricorus (Richardson, 1848)
    Pisodonophis cancrivorous (Richardson, 1848)
    Pisodonophis chilkensis (Chaudhuri, 1916)
    Pisodonphis cancrivorus Richardson, 1848
    Pisoodonophis 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.