Species FishPelican Eel

Pelican Eel

Eurypharynx pelecanoides

UncommonFish
Illustration of Pelican Eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides)

The Pelican Eel is recognized for its enormous mouth and expandable stomach, allowing it to consume prey much larger than itself. Its long, slender body and large head give it a unique appearance.

Habitat
Deep ocean waters, typically found at depths of 200 to 1,200 meters.
Diet
Feeds on fish and squid, often using its large mouth to engulf prey.
How common
Uncommon

Recent Pelican Eel sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Pelican Eel? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Pelican Eel is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love fish? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More fish

Pennant Bannerfish
Pennant Bannerfish
Heniochus chrysostomus
Penpoint Gunnel
Penpoint Gunnel
Apodichthys flavidus
Peppered Moray
Peppered Moray
Gymnothorax pictus
Permit
Permit
Trachinotus falcatus
Piano Fangblenny
Piano Fangblenny
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma
Pigfish
Pigfish
Orthopristis chrysoptera
Pinfish
Pinfish
Lagodon rhomboides
Pink Salmon
Pink Salmon
Oncorhynchus gorbuscha