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Bearded eelpout (Lyconema barbatum) — Zoarcidae

Bearded eelpout

Lyconema barbatum
Family: Zoarcidae

The Bearded eelpout (Lyconema barbatum) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
82–373 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico, USA

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Description

The Bearded eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, often deep waters of the northeast Pacific. The species grows to about 17 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, scale-poor, drab body with a continuous dorsal and tail fin fold. As a bottom-dweller it searches sand and mud bottoms for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bearded eelpout?

The Bearded eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Bearded eelpout live?

The Bearded eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Mexico, USA

How big does the Bearded eelpout get?

The Bearded eelpout grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Bearded eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Bearded 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.

More photos

Bearded eelpout (Lyconema barbatum) — Zoarcidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) ifreedman, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bearded eelpout (Lyconema barbatum) — Zoarcidae — 3
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Henry Gilbert (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

English name
Bearded eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Lyconema barbatum
Family
Zoarcidae
Other names
Bearded eelpout verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Straight

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
82 verified
Max depth (m)
373 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico, USA 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

More from the family Zoarcidae

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