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| fishes text index | photo index |
| Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrate > fishes > Family Ophichthidae |
| Worm-eel Muraenichthys sp. Family Ophichthidae updated Aug 10
Where seen? This small worm-like fish is often seen near coral rubble where there are lots of hiding places, especially on our Southern shores. A secretive fish, it is usually active only at night. Sightings are usually brief as it disappears quickly into some crevice or hiding place. Features: To about 20cm long, those seen were about 10-12cm. A worm-eel indeed resembles a worm, with a long tubular body. It lacks scales and pectoral fins. It is adapted for burrowing in sand. The eyes and mouth are small, the snout is pointed and nostrils downward pointing. The tail tip is bony and sharp so it can burrow quickly, both forwards and backwards! It swims by moving the body in S-shapes, rather like a sea snake. Sometimes mistaken for worms or sea snakes. Here's more on how to tell apart sea snakes, eels and eel-like animals. What do they eat? Most species are burrowing, spending most of their time in the sand and among crevices in coral rubble. They hunt small fishes and crustaceans by smell. Status and threats: Worm-eels are not listed as among the threatened animals of Singapore. However, like other creatures of the intertidal zone, they are affected by human activities such as reclamation and pollution. |
 Sentosa, Aug 04  Has no pectoral fins.  The tail tip is sharp and bony. |
Often mistaken for a worms, it is a fish!Worm eels on Singapore shores
 Pulau Semakau, Dec 04 |
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more photos and video clips of worm eels on Singapore shores
northern shores
southern shores part 1 | part 2
Links
References
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The Nature Society (Singapore), Singapore. 343 pp.|
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