sea eel; saltwater eel-like creature
Broad term for eel-like marine animals, including saltwater eels and sea snakes. Often contrasted with freshwater eels (鰻/うなぎ).
See also: うなぎ
Sea eels are said to have a milder flavor than freshwater eels.
The diver found a sea eel hiding behind a rock.
Compound of 海 (umi, 'sea') + 鰻 (unagi, 'eel'). The reading うみうなぎ is a straightforward combination of the readings of the two kanji.