Ophichthid eels in the coelom of several Natal offshore reef fish

Abstract

Mummified ophichthid eels are reported from the coeloms of several Natal continental shelf reef fish species. Originally mistaken to be parasitic, these eels are in fact free-living and are eaten by fish. Once ingested, they bore their way out of the stomach, using their pointed tails and become encapsulated in connective tissue within the coelomic cavity.