Fin's Fish Guide
The Fish doctor (Gymnelus viridis) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 56 cm.
Arctic Ocean and adjacent cold parts of the Atlantic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms in shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The fish doctor is an eel-like Arctic fish of the family Zoarcidae (eelpouts) reaching about 56 cm. The elongate, scaleless body is greenish to brown tinged and has a continuous fin fringe in which the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge; clear pelvic fins are absent. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the Arctic Ocean and the adjacent cold Atlantic, from shallow to moderate depths, often among stones and in cavities. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The female lays a clump of fairly large eggs and guards them. Because of its far-northern range it is little known here and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fish doctor?
The Fish doctor has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like Arctic eelpout with a continuous fin fringe and scaleless, greenish-tinted skin; lacks distinct pelvic fins.
Where does the Fish doctor live?
The Fish doctor lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Arctic Ocean and adjacent cold parts of the Atlantic Ocean, on sandy and silty bottoms in shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Fish doctor get?
The Fish doctor grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.
Is the Fish doctor dangerous to humans?
No, the Fish doctor is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fish doctor edible?
The Fish doctor is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnelus
More from the family Zoarcidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fish doctor is one of 12,519 species in the app.