Deep-water arrowtooth eel (Histiobranchus bathybius)

Scientific name: Histiobranchus bathybius G?nther, 1877

The Deep-water arrowtooth eel (Histiobranchus bathybius) is a marine fish of the family Synaphobranchidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 1–6°C (34–43°F). Native range: North Atlantic and North Pacific. Also in Durban, South Africa and Indo-Pacific.

Deep-water arrowtooth eel care at a glance

Temperature: 1–6°C (34–43°F)

Biology

Found on the continental slope and abyssal plain. Feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and squid.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Histiobranchus bathybius
Family: Synaphobranchidae (Cutthroat eels)
Order: Anguilliformes (Eels and Morays)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 137
Depth range: 295–5440 m (968–17848 ft)
Environment: Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 295 - 5440 m, usually ? - 2420 m
Climate: Deep-water
Distribution: North Atlantic and North Pacific. Also in Durban, South Africa and Indo-Pacific.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Assuming tmax>10)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Last updated 27 September 2026