Fin's Fish Guide
The Bengal eel (Ophisternon bengalense) is a brackish-water fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The Bengal swamp eel is a swamp eel (Synbranchidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, eel-shaped, nearly finless and scaleless body with a small gill opening under the head; it can breathe air through the throat cavity and thus survive oxygen-poor water or even drought. It inhabits fresh and brackish rivers, swamps and areas near river mouths, where it burrows in mud. As a nocturnal predator it hunts small fishes, crustaceans and worms. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bengal eel?
The Bengal eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped, almost finless body; breathes air through the pharynx and so survives drought.
Where does the Bengal eel live?
The Bengal eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; fresh and brackish rivers, swamps and river mouths.
How big does the Bengal eel get?
The Bengal eel grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Bengal eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Bengal eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bengal eel edible?
Yes, the Bengal eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ophisternon
More from the family Synbranchidae
Want the complete picture on the Bengal eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bengal eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.