Fin's Fish Guide
The Smalleyed spaghetti eel (Pythonichthys microphthalmus) is a saltwater fish of the family Heterenchelyidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in muddy and silty bottoms of coastal water.
Description
The smalleyed spaghetti eel is a worm-like marine eel of the family Heterenchelyidae (mud eels) reaching about 50 cm. The round, red-brown, scaleless body has very small eyes embedded in the skin and a loose, thick skin; the fins are greatly reduced. The species lives permanently buried in mud and silt bottoms of coastal water along the West African coast, where it digs tunnels and rarely emerges. In the mud it searches for worms and small crustaceans. Like all eels it has a transparent, ribbon-shaped larval stage (leptocephalus) that drifts in open water. Because of its hidden, burrowing lifestyle it is only rarely seen and has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smalleyed spaghetti eel?
The Smalleyed spaghetti eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Worm-shaped, red-brown mud eel with very small eyes and a loose, thick skin; lives buried in soft bottoms.
Where does the Smalleyed spaghetti eel live?
The Smalleyed spaghetti eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, buried in muddy and silty bottoms of coastal water.
How big does the Smalleyed spaghetti eel get?
The Smalleyed spaghetti eel grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Smalleyed spaghetti eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Smalleyed spaghetti eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Smalleyed spaghetti eel edible?
The Smalleyed spaghetti eel is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
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Status & sources
Same genus Pythonichthys
More from the family Heterenchelyidae
Want the complete picture on the Smalleyed spaghetti eel?
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