The pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) is a deep-sea eel. It is the only known member of the genus Eurypharynx and the family Eurypharyngidae. It belongs to the "saccopharyngiforms", members of which were historically placed in their own order, but are now considered true eels in the order Anguilliformes. [3]

These are members of the saccopharyngiforms, colloquially known as Gulper eels, or Pelican eels – referring to its huge mouth and pelican-like lower jaw pouch. They represent a bizarre lineage of deep-ocean eels that, like many of their neighbours, …

Dec 9, 2019 · The mysterious gulper eel, also known as the pelican eel, is one of the most unusual deep-sea animals. The gulper eel might look like your run-of-the-mill eel: it has a long, narrow body that undulates back and forth to move through the water.

Equipped with a large, scoop-like jaw, this deep-sea fish was first named after a pelican. But as researchers learned more about its behavior, other names emerged. “Gulper eel” sums up the fish’s ability to expand its throat and stomach to accommodate prey.

The gulper eel, known scientifically as Eurypharynx pelecanoides, is one of the most bizarre looking creatures in the deep sea. Its most notable attribute is the large mouth. This enormous mouth is much larger than the eel's body. The mouth is loosely hinged, and can be opened wide enough to swallow an animal much larger than itself.

Saccopharynx ampullaceus, referred to as the gulper eel, gulper, [1] taillight gulper or pelican-fish, is an ocean-dwelling eel found in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are found up to a depth of 3,000 m (9,800 ft).

IF YOU’VE EVER seen one of those live feeds from a deep-sea rover, exploring the ocean floor several kilometres below the surface, you’ll know that the best part isn’t always the mysterious lifeform that suddenly crops up on screen. It’s the scientists watching alongside us.

Also known as the Gulper Eel, this deep-water oddity can expand its mouth to incredible proportions, acting like a huge net to scoop up prey.

Aug 18, 2023 · Ultra-black eels keep independently evolving in the deep sea, and researchers now think they know why — as camouflage to lure prey closer with their glowing tails before engulfing them in...

Mar 10, 2025 · Gulper eels are deep-sea creatures known for their massive mouths and elongated bodies. Unlike what their name suggests, they aren't true eels but belong to the order Saccopharyngiformes. These fascinating animals can gulp down prey much larger than themselves, thanks to their unique jaw structure.