Depth
Ophichthus · Bony Fish

Rufus Snake-eel

Ophichthus rufus

Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
Variable
Depth Range
Variable
Max Size
Variable
Habitat
Variable
Diet
Variable
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusOphichthus
Speciesrufus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationElongated, cylindrical eel with a reddish-brown to orange-brown body. Relatively short snout compared to other snake eels. Pectoral fins are present but small.
  • SizeUp to 130 cm total length, commonly 60 to 90 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and burrowing. Lives within sandy and muddy substrates during the day.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms, often near seagrass beds and reef edges.
  • Depth5 to 150 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall fish and crustaceans caught at night.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Portugal to West Africa, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA large, reddish-coloured snake eel that burrows tail-first into sandy substrates. It is more often encountered than other snake eels due to its larger size and shallower habitat preferences. Night divers may see it foraging above the sand.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found across the Mediterranean Sea. Habitat and depth details to be confirmed.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Habitat details for Rufus Snake-eel to be confirmed. Most commonly encountered in Mediterranean waters.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Rufus Snake-eel species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Ophichthus rufus may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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