Snake eel is not kosher according to Jewish dietary law. Not kosher. Snake eels are true eels with smooth, scaleless bodies.

What is the scientific name of Snake eel?

The scientific name of Snake eel is Ophichthidae.

Does Snake eel have fins and scales?

Snake eel does not meet the requirement of having both fins and removable scales. Leviticus 11:9-12 requires fish to have both fins and scales to be considered kosher.

Can I eat Snake eel sushi or sashimi?

No. Since Snake eel is not kosher, it should not be consumed in any preparation, including sushi or sashimi.

Where can I find more information about whether Snake eel is kosher?

KosherFish.co references the Orthodox Union (OU) and Chabad lists of kosher and non-kosher fish. For specific halachic questions, consult your local Orthodox rabbi.

Snake eel

Ophichthidae

Not Kosher

Description

Snake eels aren't a food fish.

Snake eels live worldwide in tropical to warm-temperate waters. They range from coastal shallows and rivers to below 800 meters, and most are bottom dwellers that burrow into mud or sand.

Also known as

Snake-eel

Snake eel in foreign languages

Scientific	Ophichthidae
Hebrew	אפעוניים
Arabic	أنقليس ثعباني
Spanish	Ofictidos
German	Schlangenaale
Russian	Острохвостые угри
Chinese	蛇鰻科
Japanese	ウミヘビ科
Korean	바다뱀과
Vietnamese	Họ Cá chình rắn

Warnings & Kosher Issues

A true eel with a smooth, scaleless body, so it is not kosher.
Many species are striped or spotted to mimic venomous sea snakes, which can make them easy to misidentify.