The new species, Cirrhimuraena taiwanensis, is a member of a genus of snake eels with “small, fleshy projections located on the upper jaw,” known as cirri, according to the study. The new ...

particularly the American eel. Young rainbow snakes may also consume smaller prey such as tadpoles and small fish. The snake’s slender body and sharp teeth allow it to catch and hold onto ...

Unlike strictly aquatic sea snakes, the black-banded sea krait is semi-terrestrial and regularly comes onto land to rest and breed. It mostly feeds on eels and small fish in coral reef habitats.

The state advises beach and ocean goers not to touch the snakes, which are often mistaken for eels. They can be distinguished by bright yellow markings on their undersides. “This type of sea ...