Fin's Fish Guide
The Smallfin spaghetti eel (Moringua microchir) is a brackish-water fish of the family Moringuidae that grows up to 47 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Mayotte, India, Indonesia and others
Description
The Smallfin spaghetti eel is a spaghetti eel (Moringuidae) from shallow sandy and coastal water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm and has an extremely slender, worm-like, pink to brown body with strongly reduced fins and small eyes. As a burrowing bottom-dweller it lives buried deep in sand and mud, sometimes with only the head visible, and snaps at small invertebrates and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Smallfin spaghetti eel?
The Smallfin spaghetti eel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.
Where does the Smallfin spaghetti eel live?
The Smallfin spaghetti eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), Mayotte, India, Indonesia and others
How big does the Smallfin spaghetti eel get?
The Smallfin spaghetti eel grows to a maximum of about 47 cm.
Is the Smallfin spaghetti eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Smallfin spaghetti 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 Moringua
More from the family Moringuidae
Want the complete picture on the Smallfin spaghetti eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Smallfin spaghetti eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.