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Antarctic eelpout (Lycodichthys antarcticus) — Zoarcidae

Antarctic eelpout

Lycodichthys antarcticus
Family: Zoarcidae

The Antarctic eelpout (Lycodichthys antarcticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
195.0–540.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The Antarctic eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from the cold waters around Antarctica. The species has an elongate, eel-like body with continuous dorsal and anal fins merging with the tail. It is a bottom dweller adapted to icy water; its blood contains antifreeze compounds. It lives on the bottom of the continental shelf and slope, where it forages on small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrate life. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Antarctic eelpout?

The Antarctic eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Antarctic eelpout live?

The Antarctic eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Antarctic eelpout get?

The Antarctic eelpout grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Antarctic eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Antarctic eelpout is harmless to humans.

Is the Antarctic eelpout edible?

The Antarctic eelpout is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Antarctische diepzeepuitaal sourced
English name
Antarctic eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Lycodichthys antarcticus
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
195.0 verified
Max depth (m)
540.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

More from the family Zoarcidae

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