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Slender eelpout (Argentinolycus elongatus) — Zoarcidae

Slender eelpout

Argentinolycus elongatus
Family: Zoarcidae

The Slender eelpout (Argentinolycus elongatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–40.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Argentina

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Description

The slender eelpout is an eelpout (Zoarcidae) from cold, deep waters of the southwest Atlantic. The species grows to about 20 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, pale to greyish body with a largely scaleless, slimy skin and long, confluent dorsal, tail and anal fins. 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 Slender eelpout?

The Slender eelpout has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Slender eelpout live?

The Slender eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Argentina

How big does the Slender eelpout get?

The Slender eelpout grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Slender eelpout dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender eelpout is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Slender eelpout sourced
Scientific name
Argentinolycus elongatus
Family
Zoarcidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
40.0 verified
Natural range
South America: Argentina sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

More from the family Zoarcidae

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