Fin's Fish Guide
The Shortfin eelpout (Lycodes brevipes) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 30 cm.
North Pacific, from Japan and the Bering Sea to the west coast of North America, on soft bottoms of cold, deep water.
Description
The shortfin eelpout is an elongate, eel-like bottom fish of the family Zoarcidae (eelpouts) reaching about 30 cm. The brownish, sparsely scaled body has short pectoral fins and a continuous fin fringe running over back, tail and belly, with a few pale cross-bars. The species is adapted to cold, deep water and lives on soft bottoms of the northern Pacific, from Japan and the Bering Sea to the west coast of North America. 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 Shortfin eelpout?
The Shortfin eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Elongate, eel-like bottom fish with short pectoral fins and a continuous fin fringe; brown with a few pale vertical bars, adapted to cold, deep water.
Where does the Shortfin eelpout live?
The Shortfin eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Pacific, from Japan and the Bering Sea to the west coast of North America, on soft bottoms of cold, deep water.
How big does the Shortfin eelpout get?
The Shortfin eelpout grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Shortfin eelpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Shortfin eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shortfin eelpout edible?
The Shortfin 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 Shortfin eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shortfin eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.