Myrichthys colubrinus explained

Myrichthys colubrinus, the banded snake eel, ringed snake eel or harlequin snake eel, is a snake eel from the Indo-Pacific. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of 97cm (38inches) in length.

The ringed snake eel resembles the venomous sea snake, Laticauda colubrina which is a form of Batesian mimicry.[1] It also adjusts its behaviour to swim freely during the day, whereas other snake eels tend to stay hidden and roam at night.

In 2021, it was first recorded in Hawaii.[2]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Randall, J. E. (2005). A review of mimicry in marine fishes. Zoological Studies, 44(3), 299–328.
  2. Web site: Harlequin Snake Eel, Myrichthys colubrinus. 2021-01-03. www.marinelifephotography.com.