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Eelpout (Oidiphorus brevis) — Zoarcidae

Eelpout

Oidiphorus brevis
Family: Zoarcidae

The Eelpout (Oidiphorus brevis) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
135.0–900.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southern Ocean; continental shelf and slope.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. The species has a stocky, backward-tapering body with continuous dorsal and anal fins merging with the tail. It is a bottom dweller adapted to icy water and lives on the continental shelf and slope. As a bottom fish it feeds on small crustaceans, worms and other invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eelpout?

The Eelpout has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like cold-water bottom fish with fused fins; adapted to icy water.

Where does the Eelpout live?

The Eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southern Ocean; continental shelf and slope.

How big does the Eelpout get?

The Eelpout grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Eelpout edible?

The Eelpout is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Oidiphorus brevis
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
135.0 verified
Max depth (m)
900.0 verified
Natural range
Southern Ocean; continental shelf and slope. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small crustaceans, worms and invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Eel-like cold-water bottom fish with fused fins; adapted to icy water. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Zoarcidae

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