The ribbon eel, or Nemichthys scolopaceus, is a snake-like fish little known among sport fishers in Quebec. It inhabits the deep, cold waters of the North Atlantic, though it is rarely caught in our waters. Its elongated shape and ability to live at great depths make it difficult and uncommon to catch. This fish is not particularly sought after for sport, but it is of interest to biologists due to its unique adaptation to deep marine environments. It is generally found in salt and brackish waters, but it is not a typical target for sport fishers in Quebec.

The ribbon eel is easily recognizable by its long, snake-like body, which can reach up to 1.5 meters in length, although it is very slender. Its color is generally silvery with bluish or greenish reflections, allowing it to camouflage in deep waters. It has a small mouth at the front of its head, adapted for capturing small planktonic organisms or larvae. Its fins are small and underdeveloped, which is typical of species living in deep water. The tail is long and tapered, with no distinct caudal fin, giving it a ribbon-like appearance. The scales are small and barely visible, helping to reduce friction when swimming in deep currents. Juveniles resemble adults closely, although their size is obviously smaller. There are no notable differences between males and females outside the spawning period.

In Quebec, the ribbon eel is rarely observed as it primarily inhabits the deep waters of the North Atlantic. It can sometimes be found in the St. Lawrence estuary, although encounters are extremely rare. Its distribution is more common in maritime regions where waters are deep enough to accommodate this species. It is not abundant, and its observation is often the result of chance during scientific expeditions or commercial deep-sea fishing. Generally, it prefers areas where water temperature and pressure are stable.

The ribbon eel prefers deep marine waters, often at depths of several hundred meters. It is adapted to environments where light is low and pressure is high. It is often found near continental slopes or in submarine canyons, where it can hide among rocky structures or muddy bottoms. The water temperature in these habitats is generally cold, ranging from 39 to 50 °F. It does not frequent shallow coastal areas, making it difficult to observe for surface fishers. The best chances of encountering it are during deep-sea trips or targeted scientific studies.

The reproduction of the ribbon eel occurs in depth, away from the eyes of fishers. Females lay floating eggs that drift in marine currents until they hatch. The young larvae are planktonic, feeding on small organisms before growing and descending into deeper waters. Growth is relatively slow, and these fish reach sexual maturity at about 3 to 4 years. Their lifespan is modest, usually living between 5 and 7 years. Spring: Spawning in depth → Summer: Growth of young → Autumn: Maturation of adults → Winter: Life in deep waters.

The ribbon eel is a solitary fish, spending the majority of its time in depth, where it feeds and reproduces. It is not territorial and moves with the currents to find its food. Due to its deep habitat, it is little affected by changes in surface weather conditions. It reacts little to noise or light, as these stimuli are dampened at such depths. Its behavior is discreet, and it generally avoids interactions with other species, focusing on its survival in a demanding environment.

The diet of the ribbon eel is primarily composed of zooplankton, small crustaceans, and fish larvae. The fry mainly feed on floating microorganisms in the water column. As they grow, their diet expands to include slightly larger prey but remains limited by the size of their mouth. Adults continue to feed on small prey, using their slender shape to slip through currents and capture drifting organisms. Feeding is constant throughout the year, as the conditions of depth remain relatively stable.

The ribbon eel is not subject to the seasonal variations experienced by species living on the surface. In spring, it reproduces, although this occurs far below the surface. In summer, the young grow, benefiting from the relative abundance of planktonic food. In autumn, adults continue their life cycle without notable changes. In winter, conditions remain similar, with little variation in depth. The best chances of observation, though rare, occur during sea outings in months when surface waters are calm, allowing for deep exploration.

Since the ribbon eel is not a sport fishing target, there are no specific lures recommended. However, for scientific research, luminous or phosphorescent baits can be used to attract attention in deep and dark waters. Bright colors can help in environments where visibility is limited.

For the study or observation of the ribbon eel, specialized equipment is required. A long, robust rod and a reel capable of supporting lines of several hundred meters are necessary to reach the depths where this fish resides. Lines of 50 lb or more can be used to withstand the pressure and water conditions. Hooks should be small to fit the ribbon eel's mouth, and steel leaders can be useful to withstand marine conditions.

If by chance you catch a ribbon eel, handle it with care. Its skin is delicate, and it should be returned to the water quickly to ensure its survival. Avoid holding it out of the water too long and minimize direct contact to preserve its natural mucus. A quick photo can be taken before gently releasing it.

The natural predators of the ribbon eel include large marine fish, such as sharks and certain large cetaceans, which can reach the depths where it resides. Seabirds do not pose a direct threat due to the species' deep habitat.

The ribbon eel is not considered threatened in Quebec due to its rarity and inaccessible habitat. No specific regulations exist for its fishing, as it is not targeted by sport or commercial fishers. Release is encouraged for any accidental catch to preserve natural populations.