Smalleye Spaghetti Eel, Neoconger vermiformis

Smalleye Spaghetti Eel, Neoconger vermiformis. Fish provided in pristine condition by regurgitation from a Greater Sand Perch, Diplectrum maximum taken out of 60 m (200 foot) water off Point Palmilla, November 2013. Length: 15.3 cm (6.0 inches). Tail 56%.

The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel, Neoconger vermiformis, is a member of the the Spaghetti Eel or Moringuidae Family of Spaghetti Eels, that are collectively known in Mexico as anguilas fideo in Mexico. They have a common name of anguila fideo macarrón. Globally, there are three species in the genus Neoconger, of which two are found in Mexican waters, one in the Atlantic and one in the Pacific Ocean.

The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel has a very elongated, cylindrical, slender, and worm-like body. They are yellowish-olive with small black dots. They have a prominent dark spot around their gill covers and a visible lateral line. They have a long head, small eyes, and a pointed overhanging snout. They have small conical teeth set in single rows on their jaws, 2 rows of vomer teeth, and 1 row of teeth at the rear. Their nostrils are holes with the rear nostril located immediately before the middle of the eyes. Their dorsal fin begins just before the anus; their median fins are continuous; their pectoral fins are small and above the gill openings; and their tail is slender, very pointed, and greater than half their total body length.

The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel is found within sandy and muddy substrates at depths up to 60 m (200 feet). They reach a maximum of 35 cm (14 inches) in length. They feed on benthic crustaceans including crab and shrimp, and also consume bivalves, gastropods, and worms. Reproduction is oviparous with pelagic eggs and larvae. The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel is poorly studied with very limited information available about their lifestyle and behavioral patterns including specific details on age, growth, longevity, movement patterns, diet, habitat use, and reproduction.

The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel is a resident of all Mexican waters of the Pacific Ocean with the exception of the entire west coast of Baja.

The Smalleye Spaghetti Eel is difficult to identify and is most likely confused with the Pacific Worm Eel, Myrophis vafer (pale gray coloration; large pectoral fins; large eyes).

From a conservation perspective, the Smalleye Spaghetti Eel is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. They are seldom seen by humans and are of limited interest to most.