Fin's Fish Guide
The Panama sand eel (Bascanichthys panamensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 76 cm.
Description
The Panama sand eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 50 cm and has an extremely slender, worm-like, pale body with a small head and a hard, pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into the bottom. 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 Panama sand eel?
The Panama sand eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Extremely thin, worm-shaped body with a hard, pointed tail to burrow into the sand.
Where does the Panama sand eel live?
The Panama sand eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; sandy bottoms of shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Panama sand eel get?
The Panama sand eel grows to a maximum of about 76 cm.
Is the Panama sand eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Panama sand eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Panama sand eel edible?
The Panama sand eel is not usually eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Panama sand eel?
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bascanichthys
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Panama sand eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Panama sand eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.