Snubnosed eel (Simenchelys parasitica)

Scientific name: Simenchelys parasitica Gill, 1879

The Snubnosed eel (Simenchelys parasitica) is a marine fish of the family Synaphobranchidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 4–9°C (39–48°F).

Snubnosed eel care at a glance

Temperature: 4–9°C (39–48°F)

Biology

Found on the continental slope and upper abyssal depths. Feed on invertebrates and fishes. Reported to be parasitic on fishes. Eggs are probably pelagic.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Simenchelys parasitica
Family: Synaphobranchidae (Cutthroat eels)
Order: Anguilliformes (Eels and Morays)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 61.0
Depth range: 136–2620 m (446–8596 ft)
Environment: Marine; bathydemersal; depth range 136 - 2620 m, usually 500 - 1800 m
Climate: Deep-water
Distribution: Eastern Atlantic: France to Madeira and the Azores, one specimen near Cape Verde, also off South Africa. Western Atlantic: USA. Western Pacific: off Japan, near Wake Island, Australia and off New Zealand.
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