Swallowers and Gulpers: Saccopharyngiformes - Physical Characteristics, Diet, Gulper Eel (saccopharynx Ampullaceus): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION, GULPERS SWALLOWERS AND PEOPLE, CONSERVATION STATUS

GULPER EEL (Saccopharynx ampullaceus): SPECIES ACCOUNTS

GEOGRAPHIC RANGE

Swallowers and gulpers live in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

HABITAT

Swallowers and gulpers live in very deep, open water at depths greater than 3,281 feet (1,000 meters). Larvae (LAR-vee), a form of these fishes in the early stage of growth before becoming adults, and the young live in shallower waters.

BEHAVIOR AND REPRODUCTION

Because of the extreme depths at which swallowers and gulpers live, little is known about their behavior. They have thin, ribbonlike larvae that are transparent, or see-through. In some species, or types, males and females look the same; in others they look different. It is widely believed that male gulpers locate their mates by following scent trails released by the females and that both males and females die after mating.

GULPERS SWALLOWERS AND PEOPLE

Swallowers and gulpers are objects of curiosity because of their strange appearance.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Swallowers and gulpers are not threatened or endangered.