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Argentine eelpout (Lycenchelys argentina) — Zoarcidae

Argentine eelpout

Lycenchelys argentina
Family: Zoarcidae

The Argentine eelpout (Lycenchelys argentina) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 26 cm.

Length
26 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–2120.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Argentine eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, deep waters of the deep southwest Atlantic. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, grey-brown body with long, confluent dorsal, tail and anal fins and a thick, slimy skin. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of the cold deep water it snaps at small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Argentine eelpout?

The Argentine eelpout has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Argentine eelpout live?

The Argentine eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Argentine eelpout get?

The Argentine eelpout grows to a maximum of about 26 cm.

Is the Argentine eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Argentine eelpout is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Argentijnse puitaal sourced
English name
Argentine eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Lycenchelys argentina
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
26.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
2120.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lycenchelys

More from the family Zoarcidae

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