Harlequin Snake Eel

Myrichthys colubrinus

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Myrichthys
Species: Myrichthys colubrinus

The harlequin snake eel (Myrichthys colubrinus) is a black-and-white banded eel that mimics the venomous banded sea krait. A pointed snout and lack of a flattened tail tell it apart from the snake.

It grows to about 90 cm and hunts small fish and crustaceans by poking its head into holes in the sand. Some individuals have dark saddles and spots instead of full bands.

In the Philippines it is found on sand and seagrass, often foraging in the open during the day.