This animal was caught by a fisherman in northwestern Madagascar, about a month ago. It had a long, thin, cylindrical body, at least 0.9 m in length, and appeared not to have any scales. The head had already been removed by the fisherman when it was photographed. It was caught in a mangrove area, most likely (but not definitely) in salt water. The fisherman said that this species was locally referred to as 'tsiangala fitolo'.
I would be grateful for any help with identifying this species. Thank you.
Is there any more clear photo? I will check and will go back to you later.
Hello Dr. Ruth Leeney ,
The Malagasy word "Z'anguille" refers to any member of the family Anguillidae/eels, which is very similar in pronunciation with the word "Tsiangala". This compels me to believe that the decapitated specimen might have been eel like and was a member of the extended eel family, more so to Ophichthidae or Moringuidae, the snake eels/ worm eels etc.
Best wishes
Dr. Abhishek Mukherjee
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