The African spoon-nose eel (Mystriophis rostellatus, also known commonly as the west coast snake eel or simply snake eel,Common names for Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org.) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org. It was described by John Richardson in 1848.Richardson, J., 1844-48 [ref. 3740] Ichthyology of the voyage of H. M. S. Erebus & Terror,... In: J. Richardson & J. E. Gray. The zoology of the voyage of H. H. S. "Erebus & Terror," under the command of Captain Sir J. C. Ross ... during ... 1839-43. London. v. 2 (2): i-viii + 1-139, Pls. 1-60. It is a tropical, marine eel which is known from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including Mauritania and Namibia. It is known to dwell at an approximate depth of 40 metres, and inhabits lagoons and coastal waters. It leads a benthic lifestyle, burrowing into sand and mud. Males can reach a maximum total length of 140 centimetres, but more commonly reach a TL of 80 cm.
The African spoon-nose eel feeds primarily off of small finfish, shrimps and crabs.Food items reported for Mystriophis rostellatus at www.fishbase.org. It is of minor commercial interest to fisheries.
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