Callechelys lutea Snyder, 1904
Yellow-spotted snake eel
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  104 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 4 - 24 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: known only from the Hawaiian Islands, Midway Island and French Frigate Shoals.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Benthic (Ref. 58302). Adults of most Callechelys spend most of their lives within the sediment and do not form permanent burrows. This species is exceptional and has on rare occasions been dip-netted beneath lights at the sea surface at night and has been seen encountered with its head protruding from the sand by divers at various Hawaiian locations (Ref. 27478).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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