Eels and Sea Snakes: What’s the Difference?

Among the many types of creatures found across the planet, eels and sea snakes are often mistaken for each other in the wild. These two animals often inhabit similar areas, look somewhat alike and may display similar characteristics. For this reason, people often confuse the two. However, there are some vast differences between these two striking animals.

Sea snakes are reptiles, just like their terrestrial brethren, that are only found in marine environments. Because they spend most or all of their life in the water, these snakes have a somewhat flattened appearance. Usually, the snake’s body is cylindrical, much like any other snake, but the head may have a flatter appearance, depending on the species. In addition, the tail end of the snake is often paddle-shaped, which helps the snake propel itself through the water.

Eels are a specific type of elongated fish, and can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. The appearance of each of these fish species differs, but usually, they are much flatter, in the vertical sense, than a snake. In addition, these fish’s heads tend to be longer and sharper. These fish also have fins, which sea snakes never have. The fins are often located along the top or bottom of the fishes’ body, or protruding from just behind the head.

Both of these creatures have scales. However, the scales of a snake are much easier to see, and the pattern of these scales is clearly visible to the naked eye. The eel’s scales, however, are much smaller and give the animal a smoother appearance. In the water, sea snakes often look more like a swimming rope, while eels appear more like a ribbon, in shape, texture, and movement.

Eels have gills, as most other fish do, and filter air from the water in order to breathe. This means that they never have to go to the surface. Snakes, on the other hand, do not have gills, but lungs. This means that, although some of these snakes can hold their breath for an extremely long time, they will eventually have to return to the water’s surface for air.

And finally, one of the most important ways these two marine creatures differ is that sea snakes are almost always venomous, whether it is a mild venom or, in many cases, one of the most toxic. Eels, on the other hand, are not venomous, but can deliver a nasty bite if you offer your hand — further reinforcing the “don’t touch” creed divers should all know well!