Fin's Fish Guide
The Vahl's eelpout (Lycodes gracilis) is a saltwater fish of the family Zoarcidae that grows up to 28 cm.
North Atlantic and adjacent Arctic waters, on soft bottoms in cold, deep water.
Description
The vahl's eelpout is an elongate, robust eelpout of the family Zoarcidae reaching about 28 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 Vahl's eelpout?
The Vahl's 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 Vahl's eelpout live?
The Vahl's eelpout lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North Atlantic and adjacent Arctic waters, on soft bottoms in cold, deep water.
How big does the Vahl's eelpout get?
The Vahl's eelpout grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Vahl's eelpout dangerous to humans?
No, the Vahl's eelpout is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Vahl's eelpout edible?
The Vahl's eelpout is not usually eaten.
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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 Vahl's eelpout?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Vahl's eelpout is one of 12,519 species in the app.