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Antarctic eelpout (Ophthalmolycus amberensis) — Zoarcidae

Antarctic eelpout

Ophthalmolycus amberensis
Family: Zoarcidae

The Antarctic eelpout (Ophthalmolycus amberensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 35 cm.

Length
35 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
140–826 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Ocean around Antarctica; shelf and continental slope.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Antarctic eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from the icy Southern Ocean around Antarctica. The species has an elongate, rearward-tapering body with a continuous dorsal, tail and anal fin. It lives bottom-bound in deep, cold water on the shelf and continental slope. As a bottom hunter it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Antarctic eelpout?

The Antarctic eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elongate body with a continuous fin fringe; Antarctic bottom-dwelling eelpout of cold deep water.

Where does the Antarctic eelpout live?

The Antarctic eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Ocean around Antarctica; shelf and continental slope.

How big does the Antarctic eelpout get?

The Antarctic eelpout grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.

Is the Antarctic eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Antarctic eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Antarctic eelpout edible?

The Antarctic eelpout is not usually eaten.

More photos

Antarctic eelpout (Ophthalmolycus amberensis) — Zoarcidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Angel (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

English name
Antarctic eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Ophthalmolycus amberensis
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
35 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
140 verified
Max depth (m)
826 verified
Natural range
Southern Ocean around Antarctica; shelf and continental slope.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Elongate body with a continuous fin fringe; Antarctic bottom-dwelling eelpout of cold deep water. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ophthalmolycus

More from the family Zoarcidae

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