Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic hagfish (Myxine limosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Myxinidae that grows up to 51 cm.
Description
The Atlantic hagfish is a jawless, eel-like deep-sea fish of the hagfish family (Myxinidae) from the cold north-western Atlantic. The species grows to about 51 cm and has a soft, scaleless, slimy body without true fins or jaws; tentacle-like barbels surround the mouth opening. It lives buried on muddy deep-sea bottoms and is a scavenger and predator that rasps its way into dead or dying fishes and bottom invertebrates with horny tooth plates. When disturbed it secretes enormous amounts of slime to deter predators. Hagfishes are among the oldest living vertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Atlantic hagfish?
The Atlantic hagfish has a snake-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Jawless, scaleless and without true fins; secretes enormous amounts of mucus when disturbed.
Where does the Atlantic hagfish live?
The Atlantic hagfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Cold northwest Atlantic; muddy deep-sea bottoms.
How big does the Atlantic hagfish get?
The Atlantic hagfish grows to a maximum of about 51 cm.
Is the Atlantic hagfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Atlantic hagfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Atlantic hagfish edible?
The Atlantic hagfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Myxine
More from the family Myxinidae
Want the complete picture on the Atlantic hagfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Atlantic hagfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.