Fin's Fish Guide
The Cloudy cuskeel (Xestochilus nebulosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Oceania: Marquesas Is., India, Indonesia, Israel, Mozambique, Micronesia and others
Description
The cloudy cuskeel is a cusk eel (Ophidiidae) of deeper soft-bottom areas in the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a slender, elongate, pale to greyish body with long, confluent dorsal and anal fins and small eyes. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of the dark deep water it shelters in sand and burrows and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cloudy cuskeel?
The Cloudy cuskeel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Cloudy cuskeel live?
The Cloudy cuskeel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Marquesas Is., India, Indonesia, Israel, Mozambique, Micronesia and others
How big does the Cloudy cuskeel get?
The Cloudy cuskeel grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Cloudy cuskeel dangerous to humans?
No, the Cloudy cuskeel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Cloudy cuskeel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cloudy cuskeel is one of 12,519 species in the app.