Fin's Fish Guide
The European finless eel (Apterichtus caecus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, buried in sandy and gravel bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The European finless eel is a very slender snake eel of the family Ophichthidae reaching about 60 cm. The round, pinkish to yellow-white body lacks almost all fins — there is no pectoral or tail fin — and ends in a hard, pointed tail with which the fish bores backward into the sand. The pointed snout and inferior mouth help it hunt while buried. The species lives buried in sand and gravel bottoms of shallow to moderate water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. From the sand it seizes small crustaceans and worms. Like all eels it develops through a transparent, leaf-shaped leptocephalus larva. Because of its hidden lifestyle it is only rarely seen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European finless eel?
The European finless eel has a snake-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Very slender, almost finless snake eel with a pointed snout and a hard, pointed tail with which it bores backwards into the sand.
Where does the European finless eel live?
The European finless eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, buried in sandy and gravel bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the European finless eel get?
The European finless eel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the European finless eel dangerous to humans?
No, the European finless eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European finless eel edible?
The European finless eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the European finless eel and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Apterichtus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the European finless eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European finless eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.