Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted Spoon-nose Eel (Echiophis intertinctus) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 180 cm.
Description
The spotted spoon-nose eel is a large snake eel (Ophichthidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a robust, elongate, pale body with dark spots, a pointed, spoon-shaped snout and a large mouth with strong teeth; it uses its stiff, pointed tail to burrow backwards into the bottom. It lives largely buried on soft bottoms of coastal waters. As a bottom predator it takes fishes and crustaceans. When handled it can bite with its strong teeth; otherwise the fish is not aggressive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel?
The Spotted Spoon-nose Eel has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern. Spoon-shaped snout and strong teeth; burrows backwards into soft bottoms with its pointed tail.
Where does the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel live?
The Spotted Spoon-nose Eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; soft bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel get?
The Spotted Spoon-nose Eel grows to a maximum of about 180 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel edible?
The Spotted Spoon-nose Eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Echiophis
More from the family Ophichthidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted Spoon-nose Eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.