Banded Snake Eel

Leiuranus semicinctus

The Banded Snake Eel, also known as the saddled snake-eel or halfbanded snake-eel, is a marine eel found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific and southeastern Atlantic Oceans. It is commonly observed in areas ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, and as far north as southern Japan. This species prefers shallow waters, typically inhabiting depths of 0 to 10 meters, although it can be found as deep as 70 meters. It thrives in lagoons and reef environments, where it burrows into sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. This eel is characterized by its elongated, eel-like body, which is white to yellow in color with 25 to 30 distinctive black saddles. It lacks dorsal and anal spines and has a circular cross-section. The Banded Snake Eel uses its stiff, pointed tail to quickly burrow into the sand when threatened. Its diet includes sand-dwelling fishes, crabs, prawns, and various worms. During spawning, males and females rise to the surface, where males may attach to females by the back of the neck for hours before spawning occurs. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers might encounter this eel while it is partially exposed, searching for prey, or while it is burrowed in the sand.