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Argentine eelpout (Lycenchelys argentina) — Zoarcidae

Argentine eelpout

Lycenchelys argentina
Family: Zoarcidae

The Argentine eelpout (Lycenchelys argentina) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–2,120 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Antarctica: South Orkney Is., Antarctica

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Description

The Argentine eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, deep waters of the deep southwest Atlantic. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, grey-brown body with long, confluent dorsal, tail and anal fins and a thick, slimy skin. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of the cold deep water it snaps at small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Argentine eelpout?

The Argentine eelpout has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Argentine eelpout live?

The Argentine eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Antarctica: South Orkney Is., Antarctica

How big does the Argentine eelpout get?

The Argentine eelpout grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Argentine eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Argentine eelpout is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Argentine eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Lycenchelys argentina
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
2,120 verified
Natural range
Antarctica: South Orkney Is., Antarctica sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lycenchelys

More from the family Zoarcidae

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