Fin's Fish Guide
The Oriental worm eel (Lamnostoma orientalis) is a fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The oriental worm eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from lower river reaches, estuaries and coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a very slender, worm-like, pale body with a pointed head and a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into soft mud and sand. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lies hidden by day and searches for small invertebrates and small fish at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Oriental worm eel?
The Oriental worm eel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Oriental worm eel live?
The Oriental worm eel is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Oriental worm eel get?
The Oriental worm eel grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Oriental worm eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Oriental 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.
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Oriental worm eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lamnostoma
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Oriental worm eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Oriental worm eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.