Black hagfish
📖 Overview
Black hagfish (Eptatretus deani) is a ray-finned fish of the family Myxinidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in deep-water environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 63.5 cm. It occurs at depths between 103 and 2743 metres. With a trophic level of 3.8, it is a mid-level predator. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 0. No true fins - one dorsal finfold, far back, median, very low, continuous with the caudal; caudal moderately broad, and round with ray-like markings; ventral finfold very low, origin somewhat posterior to last gill aperture, extending to anus . Prune colored, preserved specimens black; frequently piebald with light spots; the very edges of caudal and ventral finfolds may be light colored .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black hagfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Black hagfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Copulatory organ absent. The gonads of hagfishes are situated in the peritoneal cavity. The ovary is found in the anterior portion of the gonad, and the testis is found in the posterior part. The animal becomes female if the cranial part of the gonad develops or male if the caudal part undergoes differentiation. If none develops, then the animal becomes sterile. If both anterior and posterior parts develop, then the animal becomes a functional hermaphrodite. However, hermaphroditism being characterised as functional needs to be validated by more reproduction studies . In one study , hermaphroditism is exhibited by only 0.2% of the individuals examined.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; bathydemersal; non-migratory; depth range 103 - 2743 m . Deep-water; 60°N - 27°N, 148°W - 114°W central Baja California, Mexico.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polistotrema curtissjamesi | Townsend & Nichols | 1925 | Synonym |
| Polistotrema deani | Evermann & Goldsborough | 1907 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 23 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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