Family : Ophichthidae (Snake eels) , subfamily: Ophichthinae
Order : Anguilliformes  (eels and morays)
Class : Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Fishbase Name : Longfin snake-eel
Fish Name : Pisodonophis cancrivorus
Max size : 108 cm TL (male/unsexed; Ref. 1479)
Environment : reef-associated; anadromous
Climate : tropical
Global Importance : fisheries: minor commercial
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)Distribution : Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to French Polynesia, north to the Ogasawara Islands, south to Australia.
Diagnosis : Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Vertebrae: 155-159. Teeth molariform, multiserial on jaws, intermaxillary and vomer; dorsal fin with broad dark edge (Ref. 37816). Dorsal fin beginning above pectoral fin (Ref. 12693). Body snake-like, cylindrical, compressed only along extreme tail tip; anterior nostril tubular, posterior nostril along lower edge of lip; median fins not continuous posteriorly; extreme tip of tail stiff and finless; dorsal fin origin over front to middle portion of pectoral fins; lateral line inconspicuous (Ref. 4832). Variable from grey to black or brown. Large individuals have wrinkled skin (Ref. 48635).
Biology : Occurs in lagoons and estuaries, entering freshwater (Ref. 12693). Often in tidal channels where loose groups congregate, and usually seen with just the head exposed (Ref. 48635). Caught most often in tidal areas and estuaries (Ref. 12693). Caught in bag nets and similar gear. Marketed fresh (Ref. 7050)
Threatened : Dangerous:  
Dangerous : harmless
Coordinator : McCosker, John
Main Ref : McCosker, J.E. and P.H.J. Castle. 1986. (Ref. 3972)

India country information
Common Names : Longfin snake-eel
Status : native
Salinity : freshwater, brackish, marine
Uses : no uses