Scolecenchelys castlei
Scolecenchelys castlei McCosker, 2006
Deepwater big-eyed worm eel
photo by McCosker, J.E.


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Family:  Ophichthidae (Snake eels), subfamily: Myrophinae
Max. size:  58 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 425 - 820 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: New Zealand.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosis: Moderately elongate with tail 58-61% of TL; dorsal fin arises slightly behind middle of preanal distance; blunt snout; eye large, 7-10 times in HL with posterior margin behind corner of mouth; eye diameter greater than interorbital distance; small, numerous teeth, conical and biserial anteriorly and uniserial posteriorly on jaws and vomer; color tan dorsally, pale ventrally, sharply delineated along mid-flank, peritoneum dark, anus within a black spot; MVF 32/62/181; total vertebrae 180-186 (Ref. 56887).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 November 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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