---
title: Broadtail Worm Eel (Scolecenchelys laticaudata)
scientific_name: Scolecenchelys laticaudata
common_name: Broadtail Worm Eel
taxon: Snake eels
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-10-26T17:58:49.526Z
updated: 2026-08-07T21:03:47.616Z
tags: Broadtail Worm Eel, Scolecenchelys laticaudata, Snake eels, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/broadtail-worm-eel
---

# Broadtail Worm Eel (*Scolecenchelys laticaudata*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Snake eels (*Ophichthidae*)
- **Size:** 35 cm
- **Depth:** 1-26 m
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Broadtail Worm Eel (Scolecenchelys laticaudata), also referred to as the pearlbelly snake-eel or redfin worm-eel, is a species within the Ophichthidae family known for its resemblance to worms and snakes.

First described by James Douglas Ogilby in 1897, the species was initially categorized under the genus Myropterura.

This marine, tropical eel is predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific and southeastern Atlantic Ocean regions, encompassing areas such as the Red Sea, parts of East and South Africa, Ducie Island, and Lord Howe Island.

The species typically inhabits depths ranging from 1 to 26 meters (3.3 to 85.3 feet) and is commonly found in lagoons and reefs, where it forms colonies within sand sediments in confined regions.

Notably, males of the species can attain a maximum total length of 35 centimeters (14 inches).

## Also known as

- **English:** Redfin Worm Eel, Pearlbelly Snake-eel, redfin worm-eel
- **Czech:** hadař šíroocasý
- **Japanese:** フトミミズアナゴ, Futo-mimizu-anago, Futomimizuanago
- **TAH:** Puhi houone

## Scientific synonyms

- *Muraenichthys laticaudata* (Ogilby, 1897)
- *Muraenichthys laticaudatus* (Ogilby, 1897)
- *Myropterura laticaudata* Ogilby, 1897

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/snake-eels/broadtail-worm-eel)*
*Updated: August 7, 2026*