Ophichthidae is a family of fish in the order Anguilliformes, commonly known as the snake eels.

They inhabit a wide range of habitats, from coastal shallows and even rivers, to depths below 800 m (2,600 ft).

[3] Most species are bottom dwellers, hiding in mud or sand to capture their prey of crustaceans and small fish, but some are pelagic.

Many species lack fins altogether, improving their ability to burrow into the substrate like worms.

They are often spotted or striped in colour, mimicking the appearance of venomous sea snakes to deter predators.