Cylindrical and elongated, serpentine body. May appear brown/tan, olive-green, dark gray, or brownish-yellow. The coloration may fade to pale yellow or white near the belly. Forward-oriented mouth. Has what is called a jugostegalia, which is a basket-like structure in the throat region. The jugostegalia may sometimes be observed through the skin. Has pectoral fins, which can be found located past the gills. Lacks a tail fin but has a singular continuous dorsal fin that originates just after its pectoral fins. The dorsal fin nearly reaches the end of the tail. Anal fin originates just past the anus. Do not have pelvic fins.