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Pelican eel

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description Pelican eel Overview

The pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) is a species of deep-sea fish first described by zoologist Léon Vaillant in 1882. It is characterized by its massive, pouch-like mouth, which resembles that of a pelican and allows it to consume prey larger than itself. The species also possesses a long, whip-like tail that ends in a bioluminescent organ, used to attract prey in the dark bathypelagic zone. It is the only known species in the family Eurypharyngidae.

help Pelican eel FAQ

What is the pelican eel's enormous mouth actually used for?

Eurypharynx pelecanoides can expand its pouch-like jaws around prey in the deep sea. Despite the dramatic mouth, it is a slender animal and often feeds on relatively small crustaceans, fish and other drifting organisms.

Does the pelican eel use a glowing lure?

Its long tail ends in a light-producing organ that can glow and may help attract or confuse prey. This is separate from the jaw lure used by many deep-sea anglerfish.

How deep does the pelican eel live?

Pelican eels inhabit the dark mesopelagic and bathypelagic ocean, commonly hundreds to thousands of meters below the surface. Their fragile bodies are adapted to pressure and low food availability rather than life in shallow water.

Is the pelican eel a true eel?

Yes, it belongs to the eel order Anguilliformes, although its body plan looks very different from familiar freshwater eels and morays. French zoologist Léon Vaillant formally described Eurypharynx pelecanoides in 1882.

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