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Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) — Serrivomeridae

Deep-sea eel

Serrivomer sector
LC · Least Concern

The Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) is a saltwater fish of the family Serrivomeridae that grows up to 76 cm.

Length
76 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–3243.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sawtooth eel is a deep-sea eel of the family Serrivomeridae. The species has a very elongate, slender, dark body with a long, pointed snout and jaws full of needle-sharp, backward-pointing teeth, with which it holds prey. It lives meso- and bathypelagically in the deep, dark water layers of the ocean. It feeds mainly on crustaceans, and to a lesser extent on small cephalopods and fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-sea eel?

The Deep-sea eel has a snake-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Long pointed snout with needle-sharp backward-pointing teeth; deep-sea eel.

Where does the Deep-sea eel live?

The Deep-sea eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic.

How big does the Deep-sea eel get?

The Deep-sea eel grows to a maximum of about 76 cm.

Is the Deep-sea eel dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-sea eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Deep-sea eel edible?

The Deep-sea eel is not usually eaten.

More photos

Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) — Serrivomeridae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ
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All data

Identification

English name
Deep-sea eel verified
Scientific name
Serrivomer sector
Family
Serrivomeridae
Other names
Sawtooth eel; Saw-tooth snipe verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
76.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3243.0 verified
Natural range
Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly crustaceans, also squid and fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Long pointed snout with needle-sharp backward-pointing teeth; deep-sea eel. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Serrivomer

More from the family Serrivomeridae

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