Fin's Fish Guide
The Saddled eelpout (Lycodes mucosus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Arctic coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas, around North America and Siberia, on soft bottoms in cold water.
Description
The saddled eelpout is an elongate, robust eelpout of the family Zoarcidae reaching about 20.4 cm. The brownish, sparsely scaled body has a continuous fin fringe running over back, tail and belly, and often bears pale cross-bars or saddle blotches. The species is adapted to cold, deep water and lives on soft bottoms of the cold northern seas. Close to the bottom it slowly searches for small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and echinoderms. Like other eelpouts it lays relatively few, large eggs that develop slowly in the cold water. Because of its life in the remote, cold deep sea it is rarely caught and little is known about it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Saddled eelpout?
The Saddled eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Elongate, robust eelpout with a continuous fin fringe and often pale vertical bars or saddle blotches; adapted to cold, deep water.
Where does the Saddled eelpout live?
The Saddled eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Arctic coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas, around North America and Siberia, on soft bottoms in cold water.
How big does the Saddled eelpout get?
The Saddled eelpout grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Saddled eelpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Saddled eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Saddled eelpout edible?
The Saddled 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 Saddled eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Saddled eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.