How did the gulper eel get its name? It’s easy to see here! The crew of the E/V
Nautilus spotted this gulper eel (
Eurypharynx pelecanoides) while exploring the deep waters of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Marine Sanctuary. Gulper eels’ mouths work similarly to pelicans’, growing bigger rapidly so they can scoop up prey.
Need to see it again, more slowly? We’ve got you covered.
(Video: OET/NOAA)
[Video description: A gulper eel “inflates” its mouth while floating near the ocean bottom. GIFs are slowed-down parts of the video.]
