Distinguishing Characteristics |
Body elongate, snake-like; color brown to gray above, lighter below; snout slightly protruding; branchial region (ventral side, behind head) swollen, with basket-like structure of over-lapping free rays (jugostegalia) underneath the skin but often visible through the skin; tail fleshy, no caudal fin; anterior nostril tubular; posterior nostril on lip in front of eye; dorsal fin well-developed, originating just before tip of pectoral fin, extending almost to tail tip; anal fin originating just posterior to anus; pelvic fins absent; distance from anus to tip of tail longer than distance from tip of head to anus. |
Similar Species |
The shrimp eel is distinguished from other eel families by its lack of a caudal fin and the jugostegalia (basket-like structure in the throat region, which is not apparent externally); can be distinguished from other snake eels by its lack of markings, well-developed pectoral fin, and dorsal fin originating behind gill slit. |
Habitat |
Gulf and bay, sandy or muddy bottoms |
Maximum Size |
91.4 cm (36 in), common to 50 cm (19 1/2 in) |
Fin Element Counts |
unknown (explain) |
Other Common Names |
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Previous Scientific Names |
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Comments |
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State size/bag limits |
None; Check for state record. |