Highfin Snake Eel

Ophichthus altipennis

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Ophichthidae
Genus: Ophichthus
Species: Ophichthus altipennis

The highfin snake eel (Ophichthus altipennis) is a burrowing snake eel usually seen with just its head poking out of the sand. Its head is brownish with fine dark spots and pale lips.

It can grow to around 1 m. It waits for small fish and crustaceans to pass, then strikes or retreats quickly into the sand.

In the Philippines it is found on sandy and muddy slopes, a regular sight on muck dives.