Ocellated snake-eels are easily identified by their elongated bodies, cream-coloured skin and large brown spots. The ends of their tails are hard and pointy, distinguishing them from moray eels. Another distinguishing quality is the ability to change their spots. Juveniles, usually under 25cm, have one row of spots along their backs. Individuals between 30 and 50cm have a second row of spots along their sides, alternating with the ones on their backs. Mature snake-eels, measuring over 50cm, develop multiple rows of spots on their sides and additional spots along the undersides of their bodies. These snake-eels inhabit sandy coral reefs and lagoons along South Africa’s east coast and typically bury themselves near these reefs. They emerge at night to hunt small fish and crustaceans.
These eels grow up to one metre long.
It is often mistaken for a venomous sea snake, but it lacks the scales and flattened tail typical of sea snakes.