Family Nemichthyidae

Snipe Eels

Selected Characters: Body extremely elongate; long recurved jaws; anus below pectoral fin; eyes large.

This is a family of deepsea eels which occur virtually worldwide in warm oceans. These eels are unusual for their long, delicate, recurved jaws and for the location of the anus under the pectoral fin, just behind the head. There are nine species in this family, with one found in Puget Sound. The Slender Snipe Eel may reach lengths of up to 60 cm. It is known to feed on crustaceans. This fish is uncommon in Puget Sound.

Puget Sound Species

Nemichthys scolopaceus Slender Snipe Eel