Punctuated snake eel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Punctuated snake eel |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ophichthus
|
| Species: |
remiger
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The punctuated snake eel (Ophichthus remiger) is a type of eel. It belongs to a group of eels called Ophichthidae, also known as worm or snake eels. In Peru, people sometimes call it the common snake eel.
This interesting creature was first described by a scientist named Achille Valenciennes in 1837. He originally placed it in a different group, the Ophisurus genus.
Contents
Where Does the Punctuated Snake Eel Live?
The punctuated snake eel lives in the ocean. It prefers warm, subtropical waters. You can find it in the eastern central and southeastern parts of the Pacific Ocean.
Countries Where It Lives
This eel makes its home near the coasts of several countries. These include Nicaragua, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, and Panama.
Its Ocean Home
These eels like to live in deeper parts of the ocean. They are usually found at depths between 15 metres (49 ft) and 277 metres (909 ft). They prefer to live on the ocean floor, where there is sand and mud.
What Does the Punctuated Snake Eel Look Like?
The punctuated snake eel can grow quite long. Males can reach a maximum length of about 85 centimetres (33 in). However, most of them are usually around 60 centimetres (24 in) long.
What Does It Eat?
The punctuated snake eel is a carnivore, meaning it eats other animals. Its diet mainly consists of smaller fish and various invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, like crabs or worms.
Why Is It Called "Remiger"?
The scientific name for the species, "remiger", has a special meaning. It refers to the place where this eel was first discovered. That place is Port Rame in Chile.
How Do People Interact with This Eel?
The punctuated snake eel is important to the fishing industries in Ecuador and Peru. Fishermen in these countries catch them for commercial purposes.
Is the Punctuated Snake Eel Endangered?
Good news! The IUCN redlist keeps track of how many animals are in danger. They have listed the punctuated snake eel as "Least Concern." This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
This is because the eel lives in many different places. Also, scientists haven't found any major threats to its population. There's no sign that its numbers are going down.
