Pacific Hagfish
Eptatretus stoutii
- Group: Other
- Typical depth: 16–966 m
- Max size: 63.5 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: DD
The Pacific hagfish lives on fine silt and clay bottoms and feeds by boring into dead or dying fish through the mouth or vent to rasp out the flesh from inside. When grabbed it pours out clouds of slime that swell into thick mucus in seawater, a defence that fouls nets and clogs the gills of attackers.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Myxini › Myxiniformes › Myxinidae › Eptatretus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 279298.
FAQ
- How deep does the Pacific Hagfish live?
- The Pacific Hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) is typically found at 16–966 m.
- Is the Pacific Hagfish dangerous to divers?
- The Pacific Hagfish is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Pacific Hagfish get?
- The Pacific Hagfish grows to about 63.5 cm.