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Looseskin eelpout (Lycodapus dermatinus) — Zoarcidae

Looseskin eelpout

Lycodapus dermatinus
Family: Zoarcidae

The Looseskin eelpout (Lycodapus dermatinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.9 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–1,010 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Peru, USA

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Description

The Looseskin eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, often deep waters of the northern Pacific. The species grows to about 9 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 Looseskin eelpout?

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

Where does the Looseskin eelpout live?

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

How big does the Looseskin eelpout get?

The Looseskin eelpout grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Looseskin eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Looseskin 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
Looseskin eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Lycodapus dermatinus
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.9 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
Max depth (m)
1,010 verified
Natural range
South America: Peru, 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
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 Lycodapus

More from the family Zoarcidae

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