Painted Eel
Echelus myrus
- Group: Eel
- Typical depth: 3 to 550 m
- Max size: 1 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
This eel lies buried in mud and sand of estuaries and coastal lagoons with only its head poking out. It can reach about a metre long and descends to surprising depths, recorded past 500 metres. It ambushes prey from its burrow rather than roaming open water.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Anguilliformes › Ophichthidae › Echelus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126314.
FAQ
- How deep does the Painted Eel live?
- The Painted Eel (Echelus myrus) is typically found at 3 to 550 m.
- Is the Painted Eel dangerous to divers?
- The Painted Eel is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Painted Eel get?
- The Painted Eel grows to about 1 m.