The shortfinned worm eel (Scolecenchelys australis, also known commonly as the shortfin worm eel, worm eel, southern worm eel, Down's worm eel, or Tasmanian worm eelCommon names of Scolecenchelys australis at www.fishbase.org.) is an eel in the family Ophichthidae (worm/snake eels).Scolecenchelys australis at www.fishbase.org. It was described by William John Macleay in 1881, originally under the genus Muraenichthys.Macleay, W., 1881 (12 Sept.) [ref. 6222] A descriptive catalogue of Australian fishes. Part IV. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales v. 6 (pt 2): 202-387. It is a marine, temperate water-dwelling eel which is known from Australia, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It forms large colonies which inhabit burrows in soft sediments. Males can reach a maximum total length of .
The shortfinned worm eel's diet consists primarily of benthic crustaceans and polychaetes. Food and Feeding Habits Summary for Scolecenchelys australis at www.fishbase.org.
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