Snake/Eel ID needed

[Eclipse]

First post... I will be posting my tank and what not later tonight.

Ok I have had this guy for a while now, around 3 months and NO ONE has a clue what he is. One guy says a ribbon eel (i don't think so because of the appearance of scales rather than smooth skin, and small snake like eyes), one says a Sea Snake (don't think it is because I have only seen him come up for air one time since he has been in the tank).

The story:
I go to the same LFS all the time because they are a bunch of nice guys, and seem to know what they are talking about...good prices and pretty decent selection as well. Since they know me they told me about this "thing" they had and weren't sure if they were aloud to sell it or not, at that point I became 100% interested since it could be something rare in the trade and I try to get fish/eels that are a little different ( either personality wise or semi rare). He is ALWAYS under the substrate and has only come out one time since I have placed him in the tank, never sticks his head out or anything (thats why I took pics before putting him in the tank, since i doubted i would see him again).

From the little I saw he has small snake like eyes, skin that appears to have scales rather than being smooth (like a ribbon eel), and a webbed tail in the shape of a paddle.

Here are the pics I have:

 

[loconorc]

Youve got to be really... disconnected, to think thats a sea snake.

 

[loconorc]

THATS a sea snake, and no LFS will ever carry one, ever.

 

[Eclipse]

Lol I know its not a sea snake, but still doesn't tell me what it is...Also they didn't "carry" it, they were changing tanks and he was in the substrate, they had never seen him before.

 

[Bsixxx]

its an eel from what i can see

 

[Eclipse]

its an eel from what i can see

Ya but what kind?

 

[loconorc]

Get better pics.

Not a snake eel, not a moray, not a ribbon, not an american, no idea. But its an eel.

 

[Eclipse]

Get better pics.

Not a snake eel, not a moray, not a ribbon, not an american, no idea. But its an eel.

Hmm I took pics of all parts of the body, what else would you suggest? I will go find him and dig the little guy up once you let me know....although it will be a pain to make sure no one eats him in my pred. tank lol.

 

[BIGgourami]

golden tulip moray?

smaller SW moray, yellowish in coloration
a nice species if it's what it is

 

[VLDesign]

Based on the shape of the tail alone it's a sea snake. Then to add your comment about the texture being scale like that makes me thing it's a sea snake. Then if you also notice it's head is out of the water. Eels so not do that. Snake eels must surface for air and that is the final nail in my decision that it's 100% a sea snake.

Not sure exactally which on as there are currently, 17 genera that are described as sea snakes, comprising 62 species.

Most snake eels grow to an average of 4-5 feet in length. Seeing how small he is it's possible he has yet to develop any distinct markings.

Yellow Bellied Sea Snake:

Olive Sea Snake: