Grey cutthroat (Synaphobranchus affinis)

Scientific name: Synaphobranchus affinis G?nther, 1877

The Grey cutthroat (Synaphobranchus affinis) is a marine fish of the family Synaphobranchidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 3–11°C (37–52°F). Native range: Circumglobal, except the northeast Pacific. Eastern Atlantic, Liberia to northern Angola.

Grey cutthroat care at a glance

Temperature: 3–11°C (37–52°F)

Biology

Dorsal soft rays (total): 230. Dark grey in color. Anal rays about 230.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Synaphobranchus affinis
Family: Synaphobranchidae (Cutthroat eels)
Order: Anguilliformes (Eels and Morays)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 160
Depth range: 290–2400 m (951–7874 ft)
Environment: Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 290 - 2400 m, usually 400 - 500 m
Climate: Deep-water
Distribution: Circumglobal, except the northeast Pacific. Eastern Atlantic: Liberia to northern Angola.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming fecundity > 100)

Sources

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

Last updated 27 September 2026