Fin's Fish Guide
The Atlantic hagfish (Myxine glutinosa) is a saltwater fish of the family Myxinidae that grows up to 95 cm.
North Atlantic on both sides and the North Sea, buried in soft sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The Atlantic hagfish is a jawless, eel-shaped primitive fish of the family Myxinidae reaching about 95 cm. Unlike true fish it has no jaws and no real eyes, but a round mouth with horny tooth plates and tufts of barbels. Famous is its defence: when disturbed it rapidly secretes enormous amounts of sticky slime from numerous skin pores, thickening the surrounding water into a slippery mass. The species lives buried in soft sand and mud bottoms of the northern Atlantic and the North Sea, from shallow water to more than a thousand metres. It is mainly a scavenger that bores into dead fish and sea animals, but also eats worms and crustaceans.
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, eel-shaped primitive fish without true eyes or jaws; produces enormous amounts of mucus when disturbed and has barbels around the mouth.
Where does the Atlantic hagfish live?
The Atlantic hagfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic on both sides and the North Sea, buried in soft sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Atlantic hagfish get?
The Atlantic hagfish grows to a maximum of about 95 cm. On average the species is around 30 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.