About Scolecenchelys breviceps (Günther, 1876)
Scolecenchelys breviceps, commonly known as the long-finned worm eel or short-headed worm eel, is a species of snake eel in the genus Scolecenchelys. It can be found in southern Australia between Rottnest Island and Tasmania, and around New Zealand, living on sandy or muddy bottoms at depths up to approximately 50 meters. Adults of this species reach lengths between 40 and 60 centimeters. This eel is a traditional delicacy among Māori; it is typically skinned and dried outdoors for a period no longer than three months. While not dangerous to humans, Scolecenchelys breviceps will nip people or other mammals when it feels threatened as a defensive behavior. This species is very difficult to handle by hand, and can survive out of water for up to six hours or more. It is a nocturnal animal, hunting for invertebrates during nighttime hours.
