Slender Snipe Eel
Nemichthys scolopaceus
- Group: Eel
- Typical depth: 0–4337 m
- Max size: 1.3 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
Its long ribbon of a body ends in jaws that never fully close, the upper and lower halves curving away from each other like a snipe's bill. It drifts through the open midwater, mostly below 400 metres, sweeping up crustaceans as it swims with its mouth agape. Males transform dramatically as they mature, losing their teeth and developing huge nostrils to track females.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Anguilliformes › Nemichthyidae › Nemichthys
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126306.
FAQ
- How deep does the Slender Snipe Eel live?
- The Slender Snipe Eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus) is typically found at 0–4337 m.
- Is the Slender Snipe Eel dangerous to divers?
- The Slender Snipe Eel is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Slender Snipe Eel get?
- The Slender Snipe Eel grows to about 1.3 m.