Fin's Fish Guide
The Hamlin's poacher (Podothecus hamlini) is a saltwater fish of the family Agonidae that grows up to 17 cm.
North Pacific, with the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, on sandy and silty bottoms of cold, moderately deep to deep water.
Description
Hamlin's poacher is a slender bottom fish of the family Agonidae (poachers) reaching about 17 cm. Characteristic of the family is that the whole body is covered with rows of interlocking bony plates, like armour; the fish also has a pointed snout and small barbels under the chin. The brownish, angular body blends well against the bottom. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of cold, moderate to deep water of the northern Pacific, including the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. Slowly over the bottom it uses its barbels to search for small crustaceans and worms. Its armour makes it poorly mobile but well protected. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hamlin's poacher?
The Hamlin's poacher has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender bottom fish with a body armoured with rows of bony plates (a poacher); a pointed snout and barbels under the chin.
Where does the Hamlin's poacher live?
The Hamlin's poacher lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific, with the Bering Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk, on sandy and silty bottoms of cold, moderately deep to deep water.
How big does the Hamlin's poacher get?
The Hamlin's poacher grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Hamlin's poacher dangerous to humans?
No, the Hamlin's poacher is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Hamlin's poacher edible?
The Hamlin's poacher is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Podothecus
More from the family Agonidae
Want the complete picture on the Hamlin's poacher?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hamlin's poacher is one of 12,519 species in the app.