Echiichthys
Echiichthys is a genus of fish in the family Echiichthyidae, commonly known as spiny eels. They are elongated, burrowing fish with a distinctive spiny head. This genus consists of four recognized species, all inhabiting tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.
Characteristics
Spiny eels are characterized by their elongated bodies, which can reach up to 60 cm in length. They have a distinctive spiny head with a pointed snout and a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. Their bodies are covered in small, embedded scales, and they have a single dorsal fin that extends the length of their body. They are also notable for their strong burrowing abilities, using their powerful tails to dig into the sand or mud.
Environment
Spiny eels are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, where they can bury themselves and ambush prey. They are typically found in shallow coastal waters, but some species have been observed at depths of up to 100 meters.
Species
The genus Echiichthys contains four recognized species:
- Echiichthys vipera (Linnaeus, 1758) - European spiny eel
- Echiichthys pusilla (Günther, 1870) - Dwarf spiny eel
- Echiichthys serra (Günther, 1870) - Sawtooth spiny eel
- Echiichthys australis (McCulloch, 1915) - Australian spiny eel