Fin's Fish Guide
The Eelpout (Zoarces viviparus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 52 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, in shallow coastal waters and tidal areas.
Description
The eelpout is an eel-like coastal fish of the family Zoarcidae reaching about 52 cm. The elongate, brown-yellow and spotted body has a continuous fin fringe in which the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge, and thick lips. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms in shallow coastal waters and tidal areas of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic, often among stones and weeds. It hunts small crustaceans, worms, shellfish and fish eggs. Very unusual for a bony fish, the eelpout bears live young: after internal fertilisation the female carries the embryos and in winter gives birth to a few dozen fully formed young. For this it owes its Dutch nickname 'eel mother'.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Eelpout?
The Eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Eel-like coastal fish with a continuous fin fringe; remarkably, it gives birth to live young (viviparous), rare among bony fishes.
Where does the Eelpout live?
The Eelpout lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic, including the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, in shallow coastal waters and tidal areas.
How big does the Eelpout get?
The Eelpout grows to a maximum of about 52 cm. On average the species is around 30 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 rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the 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 Zoarces
More from the family Zoarcidae
Want the complete picture on the Eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.