Tiger Snake Eel

The Tiger Snake Eel is a beautifully patterned and peaceful species that features bold dark bands and spots on a cream to white body, creating the tiger-like striped pattern that gives it its common name. This attractive member of the Ophichthidae family of snake eels is one of the more visually striking eel species available to marine aquarists, combining an eye-catching appearance with a gentle temperament that makes it suitable for community reef aquariums.

In the wild, Tiger Snake Eels are widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East African coast to Australia and the central Pacific islands. They inhabit sandy flats and rubble zones adjacent to coral reefs, spending much of the day buried tail-first in the sand with only their head visible. At dusk and during the night, they emerge to forage through the sand and rubble for small crustaceans, worms, and mollusks. This burrowing lifestyle is facilitated by their hard, pointed tail, which they use to rapidly dig backward into the substrate.

In the home aquarium, the Tiger Snake Eel requires a deep sand bed of at least four inches to accommodate its natural burrowing behavior. Without adequate sand depth, the eel will be unable to engage in this essential behavior and may become stressed. A tank of at least 125 gallons provides sufficient floor space for this species, which can reach nearly 40 inches in length. Despite its size, the Tiger Snake Eel is remarkably peaceful and is considered reef-safe, posing no threat to corals or fish too large to swallow. A secure lid is mandatory as all eels are potential escape artists.