Gulper Eel

A deep-sea eel that can swallow prey larger than itself/Deep Sea & Ocean Life

The gulper eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides), also called the pelican eel, has an enormous, loosely hinged mouth that can open wide enough to swallow prey much larger than itself. Its stomach can stretch to accommodate these oversized meals. Found at depths of 500 to 7,625 meters, the gulper eel has a long, whip-like tail tipped with a bioluminescent organ that may be used to lure prey. Despite its dramatic appearance, it grows to only about 75 cm. Its tiny eyes suggest it relies more on sensing vibrations and detecting bioluminescence than on vision.