This looks like a run-of-the-mill conger eel (Anguilla sp.). They differ from moray eels in that they have pectoral fins and flatter faces, and some species can survive in fresh water. I think they're cute; just look at the googly fish eyes--not that you can see them all that well in this picture.
December 31, 2007
Anonymous said...
I concur. Some sort of Anguilla.
January 01, 2008
Anonymous said...
This scares me in two ways: First, I'm terrified of things under the water when you can't see all of it... and second, I'm scared that the eel will whip around and bite the unsuspecting bird. I don't know much about eels, but they always have mean faces!
Arr, reminds me of way back when I was a little boy, out on Flathead Lake in Montana. I was floating on my inflatable raft with my diving mask and goggles, looking at the world underwater.
There was a driftwood log down on the lake bottom. But then suddenly the log lifted up, and swam away. It was actually a giant sturgeon!
These are pretty cool creatures, and I think responsible for sightings of what they call "The Flathead Lake Monster." One of them actually jumped out of the water, scaring a water skiier.
End of long story.
January 02, 2008
Anonymous said...
Ugh, I can't imagine what that would be like to be swimming and have that swim up underneath you. *shudder*
January 06, 2008
This bird is thinking the same thing I am. It involves a question word, a definite article, a muffled expletive, and a question mark. But I have the good fortune of sitting in the digital glare of my computer screen, not floating above the scaly leviathan.
Are there any ichthyologists out there that can ID this for us? The answer to that question is yes, so let me rephrase. Are there any readers out there that can ID it?
9 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formI don't know what it is.
I just know that it scares me.
December 31, 2007
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chi-liu/212811828/
Longfinned Eel, Anguilla reinhardtii
ADORABLE.
December 31, 2007
This looks like a run-of-the-mill conger eel (Anguilla sp.). They differ from moray eels in that they have pectoral fins and flatter faces, and some species can survive in fresh water. I think they're cute; just look at the googly fish eyes--not that you can see them all that well in this picture.
December 31, 2007
I concur. Some sort of Anguilla.
January 01, 2008
This scares me in two ways: First, I'm terrified of things under the water when you can't see all of it... and second, I'm scared that the eel will whip around and bite the unsuspecting bird. I don't know much about eels, but they always have mean faces!
January 01, 2008
See? You're all so much smarter than I am.
January 01, 2008
This guy could problably suck down a duckling but I think the bird is safe.
I have to learn more about these Anguilla. Amazing photo!
January 02, 2008
Arr, reminds me of way back when I was a little boy, out on Flathead Lake in Montana. I was floating on my inflatable raft with my diving mask and goggles, looking at the world underwater.
There was a driftwood log down on the lake bottom. But then suddenly the log lifted up, and swam away. It was actually a giant sturgeon!
These are pretty cool creatures, and I think responsible for sightings of what they call "The Flathead Lake Monster." One of them actually jumped out of the water, scaring a water skiier.
End of long story.
January 02, 2008
Ugh, I can't imagine what that would be like to be swimming and have that swim up underneath you. *shudder*
January 06, 2008