Fin's Fish Guide
The Sooty eel (Bascanichthys scuticaris) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 76 cm.
Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters of the southeastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico.
Description
The whip eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 76 cm and has an extremely long, thin, whip-like body with a hard, pointed tail without a caudal fin. With this it burrows backwards into the soft sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal waters. It hunts small bottom invertebrates and fishes that it locates in and on the sediment. Owing to its burrowing, hidden habits the species is little noticed and has no fishery value.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sooty eel?
The Sooty eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Whip-shaped snake eel that burrows backwards into soft bottoms.
Where does the Sooty eel live?
The Sooty eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters of the southeastern USA and the Gulf of Mexico.
How big does the Sooty eel get?
The Sooty eel grows to a maximum of about 76 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Sooty eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Sooty eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sooty eel edible?
The Sooty 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 Bascanichthys
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Sooty eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sooty eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.