Pelican eel facts for kids
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The pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) is a special kind of deep sea fish. People rarely see them. Sometimes, though, fishermen catch them in their nets. This fish looks a lot like an eel.
It is the only known type of fish in its group, called Eurypharynx. It also belongs to a family called Eurypharyngidae. These fish are related to true eels.
Contents
Amazing Features of the Pelican Eel
The pelican eel has a huge mouth. It is much bigger than its body! This mouth can open super wide. It can even swallow a fish that is larger than itself. Its lower jaw looks like a pelican's throat pouch. That's how it got its name! People sometimes call it the "umbrella mouth gulper" too.
How the Pelican Eel Eats
The pelican eel's stomach can stretch a lot. This helps it make room for big meals. It mostly eats fish, shrimp, and tiny plankton.
Movement and Hunting
This eel uses a long, whip-like tail to move around. The very end of its tail glows brightly. This light helps it attract other fish to eat.
Where Pelican Eels Live
Pelican eels can grow to be about 0.61 to 1 metre long. They live in all warm, tropical, and subtropical seas. You can find them very deep underwater. They live at depths from 900 to 8,000 metres (about 3,000 to 27,000 feet).
See also
In Spanish: Pez pelícano para niños
