Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, snake-like, body stout; color brownish to gray, back and sides with faint wide vertical bars; dorsal fin originates behind pectoral fins; no tail fin, tail ends with a fleshy nub; mouth is terminal, snout not extending past lower jaw; anterior nostril is tubular; no pelvic fins; no barbel on lips; tips of upper pectoral fins dusky; dorsal and anal fins striped at bases. |
Similar Species |
Snake eels differ from other eel families by having no tail fin, just a fleshy nub. Other snake eels differ from the king snake eel by having an snout extending past lower jaw and/or having a spotted or plain body (no vertical bars). |
Habitat |
Gulf, near rigs and on muddy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
210 cm (7 ft) |
Fin Element Counts |
unknown (explain) |
Other Common Names |
giant snake eel |
Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
Photos courtesy Claire Iseton, TPWD. |
State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |