Fin's Fish Guide
The Blind eel (Eptatretus cirrhatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Myxinidae that grows up to 97 cm.
Description
The broadgilled hagfish is a hagfish from the southwest Pacific, around New Zealand and southern Australia. The species grows to about 97 cm and has an eel-shaped, jawless, scaleless body with a ring of barbels around the mouth opening and no functional eyes. When disturbed it secretes large amounts of slime. On soft sea bottoms of the continental shelf and slope, to about 1100 metres, it lives mainly as a scavenger that bores into dead animals, and also hunts small benthic animals. The fish is harmless to humans. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blind eel?
The Blind eel has a snake-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Jawless body with barbels; secretes a lot of mucus; scavenger
Where does the Blind eel live?
The Blind eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southwest Pacific
How big does the Blind eel get?
The Blind eel grows to a maximum of about 97 cm.
Is the Blind eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Blind eel 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.
Is the Blind eel edible?
The Blind eel is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Blind eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blind eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.