Ribbon Eel

The ribbon eel is unmistakable: a sinuous, flattened body with vibrant coloration—yellow, blue, or black morphs occur, sometimes in combination—and distinctive nostril extensions that flare like small trumpets at the snout. Growing to around 1.3 m, it inhabits coral reef crevices and rubble in Indo-Pacific waters, typically 20–40 m deep. Unlike most eels, it hunts with its mouth agape, snapping at passing fish and crustaceans; divers often spot them poised in a loose coil, head raised, waiting for prey to drift near.