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Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) — Serrivomeridae

Deep-sea eel

Serrivomer sector
LC · Least Concern

The Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) is a saltwater fish of the family Serrivomeridae that grows up to 76 cm.

Length
76 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–3,243 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Open water
Danger
Harmless
Range
Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sawtooth eel is a deep-sea eel of the family Serrivomeridae. The species has a very elongate, slender, dark body with a long, pointed snout and jaws full of needle-sharp, backward-pointing teeth, with which it holds prey. It lives meso- and bathypelagically in the deep, dark water layers of the ocean. It feeds mainly on crustaceans, and to a lesser extent on small cephalopods and fishes. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Deep-sea eel?

The Deep-sea eel has a snake-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Long pointed snout with needle-sharp backward-pointing teeth; deep-sea eel.

Where does the Deep-sea eel live?

The Deep-sea eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic.

How big does the Deep-sea eel get?

The Deep-sea eel grows to a maximum of about 76 cm.

Is the Deep-sea eel dangerous to humans?

No, the Deep-sea eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Deep-sea eel edible?

The Deep-sea eel is not usually eaten.

More photos

Deep-sea eel (Serrivomer sector) — Serrivomeridae — 2
© President and Fellows of Harvard College (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — MCZ

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All data

Identification

English name
Deep-sea eel verified
Scientific name
Serrivomer sector
Family
Serrivomeridae
Other names
Sawtooth eel; Saw-tooth snipe verified

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
76 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Black
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
3,243 verified
Natural range
Widespread in the deep sea; meso- and bathypelagic.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Mainly crustaceans, also squid and fishes sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Long pointed snout with needle-sharp backward-pointing teeth; deep-sea eel. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Angling with lures or (dead/live) baitfish by trolling, casting or drift fishing in open water.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Serrivomer

More from the family Serrivomeridae

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