Synaphobranchus brevidorsalis

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
SynaphobranchidaeSynaphobranchus brevidorsalisGünther1877Shortfin Cutthroat Eel

All Synaphobranchus Species: Head more elongate, mouth extends to level of posterior edge of eye or beyond. Gill openings on the 2 sides united as a longitudinal slit on ventral midline. Scales present.

Synaphobranchus brevidorsalis

Unique Characters: Scales present, rounded.

Synaphobranchus brevidorsalis, Shortfin Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.
Synaphobranchus brevidorsalis, Shortfin Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.

Similar Species:

Synaphobranchus kaupii, Northern Cutthroat Eel

Synaphobranchus kaupi, Northern Cutthroat Eel. Source: FAO 2002.
Synaphobranchus kaupi, Northern Cutthroat Eel.
Source: FAO 2002.

Northern Cutthroat Eel, Synaphobranchus kaupii. Scales very elongate (3-4 times as long as wide), small, regularly arranged in aligned clusters of 4 or 5 set at right angles to other such groups. Dorsal-fin origin well behind level of anus. Vomerine teeth uniserial but zig-zag anteriorly.

Synaphobranchus kaupii, Northern Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.
Synaphobranchus kaupii, Northern Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.

Synaphobranchus affinis, Grey Cutthroat Eel

Grey Cutthroat Eel, Synaphobranchus affinis. Scales oval, not so regularly arranged. Dorsal-fin origin at or just posterior to level of anus. Vomerine teeth uniserial.

Synaphobranchus affinis, Grey Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.
Synaphobranchus affinis, Grey Cutthroat Eel, scale pattern. Source: FAO 2002.