Fin's Fish Guide
The Black hagfish (Eptatretus deani) is a saltwater fish of the family Myxinidae that grows up to 64 cm.
Description
The black hagfish is a jawless, eel-shaped fish of the hagfish family (Myxinidae) from the north-eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 64 cm and has a naked, dark, snake-like body without jaws, gill covers or true fins, with barbels around the mouth opening. It lives on mud bottoms from about 100 metres into the deep sea. Hagfishes are notorious scavengers that bore into dead or dying animals; when disturbed they secrete, within seconds, enormous amounts of tough, suffocating slime as a defence. It feeds on carrion and small bottom animals. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black hagfish?
The Black hagfish has a snake-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Jawless scavenger without true fins; releases enormous amounts of defensive mucus within seconds when disturbed.
Where does the Black hagfish live?
The Black hagfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Pacific; muddy bottoms from about 100 m into the deep sea.
How big does the Black hagfish get?
The Black hagfish grows to a maximum of about 64 cm.
Is the Black hagfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Black hagfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Black hagfish edible?
The Black hagfish is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Eptatretus
More from the family Myxinidae
Want the complete picture on the Black hagfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black hagfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.