Fin's Fish Guide
The Esmark's ellpout (Lycodes esmarkii) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 75 cm.
Description
The greater eelpout is an eelpout of the family Zoarcidae from the cold waters of the northern Atlantic and Arctic Ocean. The species grows to about 75 cm and has an elongate, tapering body with a round head and dorsal, tail and anal fins running into one another. It lives on the bottom at temperatures around freezing (about -0.4 to 5.6 degrees) on the continental shelf and slope. As a bottom searcher it feeds on small crustaceans, molluscs, echinoderms and worms. Some eelpouts give birth to live young. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Esmark's ellpout?
The Esmark's ellpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Elongate cold-water body with fins running into one another; lives on the bottom around freezing point.
Where does the Esmark's ellpout live?
The Esmark's ellpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic and Arctic Ocean; cold bottoms of shelf and slope.
How big does the Esmark's ellpout get?
The Esmark's ellpout grows to a maximum of about 75 cm. On average the species is around 48 cm.
Is the Esmark's ellpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Esmark's ellpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Esmark's ellpout edible?
The Esmark's ellpout is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Esmark's ellpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Esmark's ellpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Esmark's ellpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Esmark's ellpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.