Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton, 1822)
Rice-paddy eel
photo by Ott, G.

Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Ophichthinae
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range - 10 m, anadromous
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Somalia (Ref. 30573) and Tanzania south to Knysna, South Africa (Ref. 3972), including the Seychelles (Ref. 7245); also southern India and Sri Lanka (Ref. 7245). Widespread elsewhere from the east Indian coast throughout Indonesia to Polynesia (Ref. 7245).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0; Vertebrae: 171-180. Diagnosis: Body snake-like, cylindrical, compressed only along extreme tail tip; anterior nostril tubular, posterior along lower edge of lip; teeth granular to molariform, multiserial bands on jaws and vomer, but sharper on jaws and more pointed in young individuals; median fins not continuous posteriorly; extreme tip of tail stiff and finless; dorsal fin origin about a pectoral fin length behind tips of pectoral fins; lateral line inconspicuous (Ref. 4832).

Description: Body snake-like, cylindrical, compressed only along extreme tail tip; head length 9-12 times in total length; body depth 30-36 times in total length (Ref. 3972, 7245). Eye relatively small; anterior nostril tubular, posterior nostril along lower edge of lip; snout moderately protruding in front of lower jaw; teeth in jaws and on vomer granular to molariform, in multiserial bands on jaws, intermaxillary and vomer; teeth sharper, more pointed and fewer in young specimens; a small papilla on upper lip behind base of anterior nostril, a smaller one below eye; throat swollen and supported by a basket of free branchiostegal rays that overlap below (Ref. 3972, 7245). Vertical fins discontinuous posteriorly, the extreme tip of tail stiff and finless; dorsal fin originating about a pectoral fin length behind tips of pectoral fins, which are well developed; pelvic fins absent (Ref. 7245). Lateral line system inconspicuous (Ref. 7245). Vertebrae 171-180 (Ref. 3972).

Colouration: Uniform olive brown above, lighter below (Ref. 3972, 7245). Dorsal fin with a narrow black edge (Ref. 7245).

Biology:  Found in lagoons and estuaries, entering freshwater and paddy fields (Ref. 7245, 30573). Common in tidal reaches and nearby upstream areas of coastal rivers (Ref. 12693). Lives in holes in the river bottom and bank and actively forages for small fishes at night (Ref. 12693). Reported to spawn in rice-paddies during the rainy season (Ref. 12693). Caught in bag nets and similar gear. Marketed fresh.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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