Dogface witch eel explained

The dogface witch eel (Facciolella equatorialis) is an eel in the family Nettastomatidae (duckbill/witch eels).[1] It was described by Charles Henry Gilbert in 1891.[2] It is a marine, deep water-dwelling eel which is known from the eastern central Pacific Ocean, including Point Conception, California; Panama, Guadalupe, and the Galapagos Islands. The fish is known to dwell at an approximate depth of 734 meters. Males can reach a maximum total length of 90 centimetres.[1]

The color is uniformly brown.

The dogface witch eel's diet consists primarily of small deep-water crustaceans.[3] To humans, it is considered harmless.

The name facciolella is of Latin origin, diminutive of falx ("sickle").[4]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Facciolella-equatorialis.html Facciolella equatorialis
  2. Gilbert, C. H., 1891 (8 Sept.) [ref. 1625] Descriptions of apodal fishes from the tropical Pacific. In: Scientific results of explorations by the U. S. Fish Commission steamer Albatross. Proceedings of the United States National Museum v. 14 (no. 856): 347–352.
  3. http://www.fishbase.org/TrophicEco/FoodItemsList.php?vstockcode=48437&genus=Facciolella&species=equatorialis Food items reported for Facciolella equatorialis
  4. Web site: Synonyms - Detail . fishbase.mnhn.fr . 23 September 2023.