Fin's Fish Guide
The Sailfin worm eel (Echelus uropterus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 60 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, French Polynesia, Japan, Korea (South), Madagascar and others
Description
The sailfin worm eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sandy water of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The species grows to about 50 cm and has a very slender, eel-like, pale-brown body with a long dorsal fin margin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lives largely buried in soft sand and mud bottoms and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sailfin worm eel?
The Sailfin worm eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Sailfin worm eel live?
The Sailfin worm eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, French Polynesia, Japan, Korea (South), Madagascar and others
How big does the Sailfin worm eel get?
The Sailfin worm eel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Sailfin worm eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Sailfin 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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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Echelus
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Sailfin worm eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sailfin worm eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.