The King Spotted Snake Eel (Ophichthus ophis) is a fascinating species of eel belonging to the family Ophichthidae, commonly known as the snake eels. Here are some key details about this species:

General Description

• Appearance: It has a slender, elongated, snake-like body that is adapted for burrowing. Its coloration features dark spots along the length of its body, which may help with camouflage in its natural habitat.

• Size: Adults typically grow up to about 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length.

• Fins: Like other eels, it lacks pelvic fins, and its dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are continuous.

Habitat

• Distribution: Found in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the western coastline from North Carolina down to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

• Depth Range: It is primarily a bottom-dweller, living at depths between 10 and 100 meters (33 to 328 feet).

• Habitat Type: Prefers sandy or muddy substrates, often burrowing with just its head exposed.

Behavior

• Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and other benthic organisms.

• Burrowing: Its burrowing behavior helps it evade predators and ambush prey.

• Activity: Mostly nocturnal, emerging from its burrow at night to hunt.