Fin's Fish Guide
The Naked-finned worm-eel (Muraenichthys gymnopterus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The naked-finned worm-eel is a small snake eel from coastal and estuarine water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a long, snake-like, scaleless body with strongly reduced fins and a pointed tail with which it burrows into soft bottoms. As a bottom-dweller it lives hidden in sand and mud of shallow coastal and brackish water and hunts small worms and crustaceans at night. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Naked-finned worm-eel?
The Naked-finned worm-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Snake-like body with reduced fins; burrowing mud eel
Where does the Naked-finned worm-eel live?
The Naked-finned worm-eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Naked-finned worm-eel get?
The Naked-finned worm-eel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Naked-finned worm-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Naked-finned worm-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 Naked-finned worm-eel edible?
The Naked-finned worm-eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Muraenichthys
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Naked-finned worm-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Naked-finned worm-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.