Small, slender, eel-like body that is light tannish with many small freckles and spots along its flank. Tail fin present and is continuous with dorsal and anal fin. These eels have basket-like branchial chambers and posterior nostrils in their upper lip margins and are known for their overhanging upper jaws.
Average Maximum Size:
30.5 cm (12 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The origin of the dorsal fin is spaced a head-length back from gills in Speckled Worm Eels, whereas in Shrimp Eels dorsal fin origin is immediately behind gills. Speckled Worm Eels have a tail fin, while the Shrimp Eel tail ends in a fleshy tip with no caudal fin. Speckled worm-eels have a more pointed snout, while Shrimp eels snouts are more broadly shaped.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Usually only juveniles are found inshore. Young speckled worm eels are very similar to young American eels, with a glassy appearance though the tail fin of a speckled worm eel has noticeable rays and is continuous with the dorsal and anal fins. Speckled worm eel also weigh much less than american eels.
Range:
North Carolina to Brazil
Habitat:
Estuaries, over mud bottoms, around eel grass beds, and in mangroves. May be associated with reefs, occasionally. Usually found burrowed in soft mud or sandy substrate.
