Fin's Fish Guide
The Pale eelpout (Lycodes pallidus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 26 cm.
Arctic and northern waters around the Arctic Ocean, Greenland and the North Atlantic deep sea, on soft bottoms of cold, deep water.
Description
The pale eelpout is an elongate, eel-like bottom fish of the family Zoarcidae (eelpouts) reaching about 26 cm. The pale grey-brown body has a continuous fin fringe running over back, tail and belly, and bears a few pale cross-bars. The species is adapted to cold, deep water and lives on soft bottoms of the Arctic and northern waters around the Arctic Ocean, Greenland and the North Atlantic deep sea. On the bottom it slowly searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. Like other eelpouts it lays relatively few, large eggs that develop slowly. Because of its life in the cold deep sea it is rarely seen and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pale eelpout?
The Pale eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Elongate, eel-like bottom fish with a continuous fin fringe around the tail and a few pale vertical bars; adapted to cold, deep water.
Where does the Pale eelpout live?
The Pale eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Arctic and northern waters around the Arctic Ocean, Greenland and the North Atlantic deep sea, on soft bottoms of cold, deep water.
How big does the Pale eelpout get?
The Pale eelpout grows to a maximum of about 26 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Pale eelpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Pale eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pale eelpout edible?
The Pale eelpout is not usually eaten.
More photos
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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 Pale eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pale eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.