Ophisternon bengalense facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ophisternon bengalense |
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The Bengal eel (also called the Bengal mudeel or onegill eel) is a special type of fish. Its scientific name is Ophisternon bengalense. This eel belongs to the Synbranchidae family. You can only find it in certain places. It lives in freshwater and slightly salty (brackish) rivers and swamps. These places are in Oceania and South Asia. A Bengal eel can grow up to 100 centimeters long.
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What the Bengal Eel Looks Like
The Bengal eel has a body shaped like an eel. Its head is flat. It has only one gill opening. This opening is like a slit at the back of its head. Its eyes are small. You can see them right through its skin.
The fins on its back (dorsal fin) and belly (anal fin) are very small. They look like folds of skin. These folds are on the back half of its body. It does not have pectoral fins or pelvic fins.
This eel can grow up to 55 centimeters (about 22 inches) long. But most often, they are around 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) long. Their color can be blackish-green or reddish-brown. They often have a purplish tint and dark spots.
Where the Bengal Eel Lives
The Bengal eel is found in many countries. You can find it in South Asian countries. These include India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It also lives in Southeast Asia. This includes Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Guinea.
Sometimes, these eels are also found in Australia. They can also be seen around the Palau islands.
How the Bengal Eel Lives and Its Home
Scientists do not know much about the Bengal eel's life. They think it might be a type of fish that can change its sex. This means it might start as a female and then become a male.
They likely lay their eggs in tunnels. These tunnels are dug into soft mud or sand. The male eel digs the nest. He then guards the eggs until they hatch.
Adult eels live in both fresh and brackish water. You can find them along rivers and in swamps. They are often near where rivers meet the sea. They usually live among thick plants. They prefer muddy, still water. This includes places like lagoons, swamps, canals, and rice fields.
Bengal Eels and Fishing
The Bengal eel is not a major fish for fishing. But people do catch and eat them. They are usually sold and eaten fresh.
Sources
- http://biodiversityofsrilanka.blogspot.com/p/freshwater-fish-diversity-of-sri-lanka_29.html
