Mystriophis rostellatus (Richardson, 1848)
African spoon-nose eel
Eel,  Weskus-slangpaling,  Paling,  West coast snake-eel
Mystriophis rostellatus
photo by Cambraia Duarte, P.M.N. (c)ImagDOP

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  140 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 40 m
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: Mauritania (Ref. 4455) south to Walvis Bay, Namibia (Ref. 3972).
Diagnosis:  Brownish dorsally, lighter below (Ref. 3972).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoons and coastal waters (Ref. 2683), from near shore to 40 m (Ref. 4455). Burrows in sand or mud (Ref. 4455). Feeds on small fishes, crabs and shrimps (Ref. 3651).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Ranges south to Walvis Bay (Ref. 3972). Commonly caught by anglers in Lüderitz lagoon (Ref. 36731). Taken with bottom trawls and hook and line (Ref. 27121). Also Ref. 54854.


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