The aquatic world has very diverse and unique creatures which lead researchers to many exciting discoveries. One of the remarkable discoveries is the existence of snake-like fishes which exactly look like snakes. They have long slender body, move in a zig-zag manner, and varies in size as well as shape. Let’s take a deep analysis of these unique creatures.
Are There Snake-Like Fish? What Are They Called?Â
Yes! Some fishes live under the water and look exactly like a shape in their appearance as well as in motion. These unique creatures are called snake-like fishes. There are several snake-like fishes, some of which are narrated below:
1: Snake Eel (Ophichthidae)
These fishes have also named garden eels, they are native to tropical as well as temperate waters. These creatures have slender or elongated bodies that can grow to a maximum length of 7 feet. Their body is covered with scales that help them to camouflage with the surrounding. They are carnivorous species that feed mostly on small fishes, crustaceans, and plankton.
2: Fire Eel (Mastacembelus Erythrotaenia)
These are the most diverse group of species which are adapted to the freshwater habitat. They have elongated bodies with a maximum length of 3 feet, pointed snouts, and underhung mouths. Due to their appearance, they are highly mistaken because they have scary impressions just like the snake. Fire eels are omnivorous species that feed on plants, small fishes, insect larvae, worms, and crustaceans.
3: Lamprey (Petromyzontiformes)Â
These species are native to freshwater and coastal regions of the temperate zone. Like a snake, they have slender body reach up to 2 to 4 feet, covered with smooth, shiny, and slippery skin. They do not have scales as well as paired fins. Instead of teeth, they have a sucking disk that opens circularly to gulp the food. They are opportunistic feeders – they feed on anything they found in their vicinity including the organic matter.
4: Lungfish (Dipnoi)Â
These fishes are adapted to a freshwater habitat and have been swimming under the water for more than 300 million years. They are a brownish appearance with black speckles over their skin. They have small bluish eyes which provide them with clear vision. They have primitive types of lungs which allow them to breathe oxygen. Their lungs also offer them a buoyant force to rise and fall while swimming. They feed through a suction feeding mechanism to feed on the prey.
5: Kuhli Loach (Pangio Kuhlii)Â
These are also freshwater species that are found living along the mountainous streams and sandy beds of the rivers. Because of their coloration, slender bodies, and zig-zag swimming pattern, they look like a snake. They are omnivorous species that feed on crustaceans, small fishes, insect larvae, and diverse aquatic plants.
Final Verdict
There are several unique creatures living under the water, that look exactly like a snake. These creatures are called snake-like fishes, some of these are Snake Eel, Fire Eel, Lamprey, Lungfish, and Kuhli Loach. Because of their appearance, and zig-zag swimming patterns, they resemble the snake unduly. These species might be dangerous but their appearance fascinates the researchers the most.
