Fin's Fish Guide
The Sooty eel (Bascanichthys bascanium) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The sooty eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from the western Atlantic. The species reaches about 70 cm and has an extremely long, thin, dark body with strongly reduced fins and a hard, pointed tail without a caudal fin. With this it burrows backwards into the sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal waters, where it lives largely hidden. It hunts small bottom invertebrates and fishes. Owing to its burrowing, hidden habits the species is rarely seen 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. Very long, thin snake eel that burrows into sand or mud with its hard tail tip.
Where does the Sooty eel live?
The Sooty eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic, in shallow coastal waters.
How big does the Sooty eel get?
The Sooty eel grows to a maximum of about 70 cm. On average the species is around 40 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
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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.