Fin's Fish Guide
Fatlips swamp eel
The Fatlips swamp eel (Ophisternon aenigmaticum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 80 cm.
Description
The fatlips swamp eel is a snake-like freshwater fish of the family Synbranchidae from Central America and northern South America. The species reaches about 80 cm, has a scaleless, eel-like body with strongly reduced fins and fleshy lips. It lives in varied habitats, from standing muddy pools to clear running streams and lakes, and can breathe air with a modified pharynx to survive oxygen-poor water. The male builds and guards a nest or burrow. The diet consists of small fishes, crustaceans and insects. The species occurs in fresh and brackish water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fatlips swamp eel?
The Fatlips swamp eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Air-breathing swamp eel; the male builds and guards a nest or burrow.
Where does the Fatlips swamp eel live?
The Fatlips swamp eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central America to northern South America.
How big does the Fatlips swamp eel get?
The Fatlips swamp eel grows to a maximum of about 80 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Fatlips swamp eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Fatlips swamp eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fatlips swamp eel edible?
The Fatlips swamp eel is rarely eaten.
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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 Fatlips swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fatlips swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.