Fin's Fish Guide
The Pacific mud eel (Pythonichthys asodes) is a saltwater fish of the family Heterenchelyidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Description
The Pacific mud eel is an eel from the eastern Pacific, off the coast of Central and South America. The species grows to about 47 cm and has a thick, snake-like, scaleless body with a small head and very small eyes. As a burrowing bottom-dweller it lives in soft muddy bottoms of shallow coastal water and hunts small bottom animals from cover. The fish is harmless to humans and has not been evaluated by the IUCN (NE).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pacific mud eel?
The Pacific mud eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Thick snake-like body with very small eyes; burrowing mud-dweller
Where does the Pacific mud eel live?
The Pacific mud eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Pacific mud eel get?
The Pacific mud eel grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Pacific mud eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Pacific mud 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 Pacific mud eel edible?
The Pacific mud 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 Pythonichthys
More from the family Heterenchelyidae
Want the complete picture on the Pacific mud eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pacific mud eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.