Long-finned worm eel

Taxobox
name = Long-finned worm eel


image_width=300px
image_caption = Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Anguilliformes
familia = Ophichthidae
genus = "Scolecenchelys"
species = "S. breviceps "
range_

range_map_caption=
binomial = "Scolecenchelys breviceps "
binomial_authority = (Günther, 1876)

The long-finned worm eel or short-headed worm eel, "Scolecenchelys breviceps", is a snake eel of the genus "Scolecenchelys", found in southern Australia between Rottnest Island and Tasmania, and around New Zealand, to depths of about 50 m, on sandy or muddy bottoms. Its length is between 40 and 60 cm.

The long-finned worm eel has a very elongate body, with a slightly bulbous head and very low dorsal and anal fins that are continuous around the tip of the tail (unlike that of the serpent eel).

It is pale green in colour with scattered minute brown spots on the back and a dark edge on the dorsal fin.

These eels is found in coastal waters buried in the bottom sediments with only their eyes and part of the mouth showing. They are very seldom seen.

References

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* Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, "Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand", (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN 0-00-216987-8

some islanders eat these, for they provide good protein and calcium, preventing bloody noses'.