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Eastern pacific eelpout (Zoarces elongatus) — Zoarcidae

Eastern pacific eelpout

Zoarces elongatus
Family: Zoarcidae

The Eastern pacific eelpout (Zoarces elongatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 33 cm.

Length
32.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–50 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Japan, Russia

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Description

The slender eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold coastal waters of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 33 cm and has an elongate, flabby, eel-like body with a continuous fin margin from dorsal to anal fin. As a bottom-dweller it lives on sand and mud bottoms of shallow coastal water and snaps at small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. It is livebearing. It is a local food fish. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eastern pacific eelpout?

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

Where does the Eastern pacific eelpout live?

The Eastern pacific eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: China, Japan, Russia

How big does the Eastern pacific eelpout get?

The Eastern pacific eelpout grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.

Is the Eastern pacific eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Eastern pacific 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

Eastern pacific eelpout (Zoarces elongatus) — Zoarcidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Глеб Колесников, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eastern pacific eelpout (Zoarces elongatus) — Zoarcidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Глеб Колесников, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Eastern pacific eelpout (Zoarces elongatus) — Zoarcidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Alexander Shienok, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Eastern pacific eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Zoarces elongatus
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
32.7 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)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
50 verified
Natural range
Asia: China, Japan, Russia 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 Zoarces

More from the family Zoarcidae

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