Misaki worm eel
📖 Overview
Misaki worm eel (Scolecenchelys aoki) is a ray-finned fish of the family Ophichthidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 46 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 80 metres. With a trophic level of 4.1, it is a mid-level predator.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Vertebrae: 130 - 138. This elongate species of Scolecenchelys is distinguished by the following set of characters: head 7.6-10 % TL, tail 51-57 % TL; infraorbital pores 3 at postorbital area; median groove present ventrally on snout, extending anteriorly beyond level of anterior margin of tubular anterior-nostril base; acute snout; rictus of mouth slightly posterior to a vertical line through posterior margin of eye; conical and pointed teeth on upper jaw and vomer forming uniserial or biserial rows; dorsal-fin origin located posterior to a vertical line through the anus, horizontal distance between the origin and the vertical line 10-77% HL; total vertebrae 130-138, predorsal 56-65 and preanal 53-58; mean vertebral formula (MVF) 60-56-135 .: eel-like; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Misaki worm eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Misaki worm eel is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Misaki worm eel is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 80 m . Temperate Northwest Pacific: restricted to Japanese waters, excluding northern Hokkaido and Ryukyu Archipelago, and southern Korea (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Misaki Worm Eel |
| 🌍CES | hadař severní |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Misaki-unagi · Misakiunagi · オカムラウミヘビ · キタノウミヘビ · ニホンミミズアナゴ · ミサキウナギ |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muraenichthys aoki | Jordan & Snyder | 1901 | Synonym |
| Muraenichthys borealis | Machida & Shiogaki | 1990 | Synonym |
| Muraenichthys japonicus | Machida & Ohta | 1993 | Synonym |
| Muraenichthys okamurai | Machida & Ohta | 1996 | Synonym |
| Scolecenchelys borealis | Machida & Shiogaki | 1990 | Synonym |
| Scolecenchelys japonica | Machida & Ohta | 1993 | Synonym |
| Scolecenchelys okamurai | Machida & Ohta | 1996 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
No observations yet — be the first to log one!
View all observations for Misaki worm eel ↗Spotted incorrect or outdated data? Submit a correction and our editorial team will review it. Approved edits go live within 48 hours.
Found a factual error, broken data, or inappropriate content? Let us know and we will investigate promptly.