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Bigeye eelpout (Ophthalmolycus macrops) — Zoarcidae

Bigeye eelpout

Ophthalmolycus macrops
Family: Zoarcidae

The Bigeye eelpout (Ophthalmolycus macrops) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
73–552 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Chile

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Description

The bigeye eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, deep waters around Antarctica and the southern oceans. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, flabby, eel-like body with a continuous fin margin and relatively large eyes. As a bottom-dweller it lives on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope between about seventy and five hundred metres and eats small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bigeye eelpout?

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

Where does the Bigeye eelpout live?

The Bigeye eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Chile

How big does the Bigeye eelpout get?

The Bigeye eelpout grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Bigeye eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Bigeye 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
Bigeye eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Ophthalmolycus macrops
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.6 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)
73 verified
Max depth (m)
552 verified
Natural range
South America: Chile 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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 Ophthalmolycus

More from the family Zoarcidae

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