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Buitendijk's worm eel (Neenchelys buitendijki) — Ophichthidae

Buitendijk's worm eel

Neenchelys buitendijki
Family: Ophichthidae

The Buitendijk's worm eel (Neenchelys buitendijki) is a saltwater fish of the family Ophichthidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
2–3 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Viet Nam
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

Buitendijk's worm eel is a snake eel (Ophichthidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a very slender, worm-like, pale body with a small head and a pointed tail with which it burrows backwards into soft sediment. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it lies hidden by day and searches for small invertebrates and worms at night. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Buitendijk's worm eel?

The Buitendijk's worm eel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.

Where does the Buitendijk's worm eel live?

The Buitendijk's worm eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Viet Nam

How big does the Buitendijk's worm eel get?

The Buitendijk's worm eel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Buitendijk's worm eel dangerous to humans?

No, the Buitendijk's worm eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Buitendijk's worm eel edible?

Yes, the Buitendijk's worm eel is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Buitendijk's worm eel sourced
Scientific name
Neenchelys buitendijki
Family
Ophichthidae
Other names
Spotted worm-eel; Fintail serpent eel verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
2 verified
Max depth (m)
3 verified
Natural range
Asia: India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Ophichthidae

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