The crocodile snake eel (Brachysomophis crocodilinus) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels). In 1833, it was described by Edward Turner Bennett. It is a tropical, marine eel known to be from the Indo-Pacific, including East Africa, the Society Islands, Japan, and Australia. Males can reach a maximum length of 120 centimeters. It dwells at a depth range of 0âÂÂ30 meters (most often around 0âÂÂ2 m), and it inhabits coral reefs. It burrows in the sand and waits to ambush prey, often leaving its eyes exposed. Its diet consists of octopuses, species of Calcarina, and finfish.
The species epithet "crocodilinus", as well as the common name, refer to the species' crocodilian appearance. The crocodile snake eel is used in Chinese medicine.