Fin's Fish Guide
The Checker eelpout (Lycodes vahlii) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 52 cm.
Description
Vahl's eelpout is a bottom-dwelling fish of the eelpout family (Zoarcidae) from the cold northern Atlantic. The species has an elongate, rearward-tapering body with a continuous dorsal, tail and anal fin, and reaches about 50 cm off Greenland, but rarely more than 25-30 cm off Scandinavia. It lives on the bottom at temperatures of 0-5 degrees and feeds mainly on prey living in the sediment; as the fish grows, shrimps and euphausiids play a larger role. The species is locally fished and eaten.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Checker eelpout?
The Checker eelpout has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elongate, tapering body with a continuous fin fringe; cold-water bottom-dweller.
Where does the Checker eelpout live?
The Checker eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Cold North Atlantic; bottom around Greenland and Scandinavia.
How big does the Checker eelpout get?
The Checker eelpout grows to a maximum of about 52 cm. On average the species is around 28 cm.
Is the Checker eelpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Checker eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Checker eelpout edible?
Yes, the Checker eelpout is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Checker eelpout and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Lycodes
More from the family Zoarcidae
Want the complete picture on the Checker eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Checker eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.