Fin's Fish Guide
The Intermediate thrush-eel (Moringua ferruginea) is a saltwater fish of the family Moringuidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The rusty spaghetti eel is a strikingly thin, worm-like eel from the Indo-Pacific, ranging from East Africa to Easter Island and from the Ryukyu Islands to Australia. The species grows to about 140 cm but stays very slender, with strongly reduced, far rearward-set fins. As a burrowing species it lives buried in sandy bottoms of reefs and shallow coastal water to about 40 metres depth. It feeds on small bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans; owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Intermediate thrush-eel?
The Intermediate thrush-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very thin, worm-shaped body with reduced fins; burrows into sand
Where does the Intermediate thrush-eel live?
The Intermediate thrush-eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Intermediate thrush-eel get?
The Intermediate thrush-eel grows to a maximum of about 140 cm.
Is the Intermediate thrush-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Intermediate thrush-eel 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.
Is the Intermediate thrush-eel edible?
The Intermediate thrush-eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Moringua
More from the family Moringuidae
Want the complete picture on the Intermediate thrush-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Intermediate thrush-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.