Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled swamp eel (Synbranchus marmoratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 150 cm.
Fresh water of Central and South America, in swamps, ditches, ponds and slow-flowing rivers with soft bottoms.
Description
The marbled swamp eel is a long, eel-like fish of the family Synbranchidae reaching about 1.5 metres. Unlike true eels it lacks pectoral and pelvic fins and the dorsal and anal fins are reduced to low skin folds; beneath the head lies a single, shared gill opening. The brown body is darkly marbled. The species lives in swamps, ditches, ponds and slow water of Central and South America and can gulp air through the throat, letting it survive oxygen-poor water and even drought buried in moist mud. At night it hunts insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish and tadpoles. Many individuals start as females and later become males.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled swamp eel?
The Marbled swamp eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Long, eel-like fish without pectoral and pelvic fins, with a single gill opening beneath the head; can gulp air and survive drought in mud.
Where does the Marbled swamp eel live?
The Marbled swamp eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central and South America, in swamps, ditches, ponds and slow-flowing rivers with soft bottoms.
How big does the Marbled swamp eel get?
The Marbled swamp eel grows to a maximum of about 150 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the Marbled swamp eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled swamp eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Marbled swamp eel edible?
Yes, the Marbled swamp eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Marbled swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Synbranchus
More from the family Synbranchidae
Want the complete picture on the Marbled swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.