Yirrkala ori
Yirrkala ori
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)Yirrkala ori, commonly known as the Ori snake eel, is a slender marine eel that inhabits sandy bottoms near coral reefs. It reaches up to 43.8 cm and is sought more for curiosity than sport, prized for its unusual shape rather than its table value.
Basic Information
Family
Ophichthidae
Max Size
43.8 cm
Habitat
marine
Climate
subtropical
Best Season
Summer months (June‑August) when water temperatures are highest
Best Time
Dusk to early night, when the eels emerge to feed
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Yirrkala ori
- Use light tackle and a slow‑retrieval jig or soft‑plastic bait near the bottom.
- Target areas with fine sand or mud close to reef drop‑offs where eels burrow.
- Fish during high tide or just after a tide change to increase activity.
- Night fishing with a small lantern can attract eels that are more active after dark.
Top Fishing Locations for Yirrkala ori
Great Barrier Reef
AustraliaWorld‑renowned reef system with abundant sand‑and‑mud bottoms where Yirrkala ori hide among coral outcrops.
Best: March‑May
Raja Ampat
IndonesiaRemote archipelago with pristine reefs; the eel frequents shallow lagoon channels and mangrove‑adjacent flats.
Best: October‑February
Ari Atoll, Maldives
MaldivesClear lagoon waters and sandy seagrass beds provide ideal hunting grounds for Yirrkala ori.
Best: January‑April
Rock Islands, Palau
PalauKarst islands with deep drop‑offs; eels are found in crevices and near reef passes during peak flow tides.
Best: May‑July
Christmas Island
AustraliaIsolated island with volcanic substrates; Yirrkala ori are abundant on the outer reef rim during the dry season.
Best: April‑June
Red Sea (Sharm El Sheikh)
EgyptWarm, salty waters and extensive reef drop‑offs host sizable populations of the species.
Best: September‑November
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
FijiSecluded bays with soft‑substrate flats where Yirrkala ori ambush passing baitfish.
Best: June‑August
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Yirrkala ori
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live shrimp or small crab pieces