Sharptail Eel

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from Southern California south to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Found in sandy and muddy bottom areas in bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters in 0–100 feet. A member of the snake eel family — lives buried in sand with only the head exposed. The sharply pointed tail is used to burrow rapidly into sand headfirst when threatened.

58°F–72°F. Found buried in sand and mud in nearshore Pacific bays and coastal areas. Primarily a nocturnal feeder.

Best Lures: Not targeted with lures. Best Baits: Small pieces of squid and shrimp near sandy bottom produce incidental catches. Primarily caught as bycatch when targeting Halibut and other sandy-bottom species in Southern California and Baja California bays.

Typically 18–36 inches. Spotted pattern on a tan body. Not a typical sport target — caught incidentally on bottom baits near sandy areas.