Deepwater big-eyed worm eel explained

The deepwater big-eyed worm eel^[1] (Scolecenchelys castlei) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).^[2] It was described by John E. McCosker in 2006.^[3] It is a subtropical, marine eel which is known from New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It dwells at a depth range of 425–820 metres. Females can reach a maximum total length of 58 centimetres.^[2]

The species epithet "castlei" was given in honour of Peter Henry John Castle.^[2]

Notes and References

1. http://www.fishbase.org/comnames/CommonNamesList.php?ID=62680&GenusName=Scolecenchelys&SpeciesName=castlei&StockCode=52696 Common names for Scolecenchelys castlei
2. http://www.fishbase.org/summary/Scolecenchelys-castlei.html Scolecenchelys castlei
3. McCosker, J. E., 2006 [ref. 28592] A new deepwater species of worm-eel, Scolecenchelys castlei (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), from New Zealand and Australia, with comments on S. breviceps and S. macroptera. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand v. 36 (no. 1): 17-26.