Mauritanian Shortface Eel
Panturichthys mauritanicus
- Group: Eel
- Typical depth: 30–1000 m
- Max size: 84 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
This burrowing eel works the muddy bottoms of the continental shelf off northwest Africa, feeding on small worms, bivalves and crustaceans. It reaches a little over 80 centimetres and spends much of its time hidden in soft sediment. Little is known about its breeding beyond the planktonic larval stage shared by its family.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Anguilliformes › Heterenchelyidae › Panturichthys
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126294.
FAQ
- How deep does the Mauritanian Shortface Eel live?
- The Mauritanian Shortface Eel (Panturichthys mauritanicus) is typically found at 30–1000 m.
- Is the Mauritanian Shortface Eel dangerous to divers?
- The Mauritanian Shortface Eel is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Mauritanian Shortface Eel get?
- The Mauritanian Shortface Eel grows to about 84 cm.