Fin's Fish Guide
The Chilean hagfish (Eptatretus polytrema) is a saltwater fish of the family Myxinidae that grows up to 93 cm.
Description
The Chilean hagfish is a jawless hagfish from the southeastern Pacific, along the Chilean coast from Coquimbo to Puerto Montt. The species grows to about 93 cm and has an elongate, eel-like body without jaws; around the mouth are sensory tentacles and, instead of teeth, a rasping tongue plate. When disturbed it secretes large amounts of slime as a defence. A bottom-dweller, the fish lives at depths between about 10 and 350 metres and feeds as a scavenger on dead and dying fish. The fish is harmless to humans. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chilean hagfish?
The Chilean hagfish has a snake-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Jawless with a rasping tongue plate and barbels; secretes a lot of mucus when disturbed
Where does the Chilean hagfish live?
The Chilean hagfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Chilean coast (southeast Pacific)
How big does the Chilean hagfish get?
The Chilean hagfish grows to a maximum of about 93 cm.
Is the Chilean hagfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Chilean hagfish 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 Chilean hagfish edible?
The Chilean 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 Chilean hagfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chilean hagfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.