Teleostei (teleosts) >
Anguilliformes (Eels and morays) >
Ophichthidae (Snake eels) > Ophichthinae
Etymology: Callechelys: Greek, kalos, kallos = beautiful + Greek, enchelys, -yos = eel (Ref. 45335).
More on author: Schneider.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 32 m (Ref. 27478). Tropical; 32°N - 32°S
Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 85.0 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 1602)
Found in shallow areas buried in loose gravel and sand (Ref. 1602, 75154). Benthic (Ref. 58302, 75154). It buries itself with the aid of its pointed snout or its bony, sharp tail.
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
McCosker, J.E., 1998. A revision of the snake-eel genus Callechelys (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) with the description of two new Indo-Pacific species and a new Callechelyin genus. Proc. Calif. Acad. Sci. 50(7):185-215. (Ref. 27478)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Human uses
Fisheries: of no interest
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