Arctic eelpout – Lycodes reticulatus

The Arctic Eelpout, Lycodes reticulatus, is a species of fish belonging to the eelpout family, Zoarcidae. It is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 36.0 cm. This species is found in a wide range of depths, from 18.0 to 930.0 meters, making it a common inhabitant of both shallow and deep waters.

Description & Characteristics

Lycodes reticulatus exhibits a slender, elongated body characteristic of eelpouts. The body is covered in a network of fine reticulations, a feature that gives the species its name. The color of the Arctic Eelpout varies depending on its habitat, ranging from brownish-grey to reddish-brown, with darker markings.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Arctic Eelpout is primarily found in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, inhabiting a variety of marine environments. It prefers cold, deep waters and is commonly observed on the continental shelf and slope, as well as in fjords and other coastal areas. Lycodes reticulatus is a demersal species, meaning it lives close to the seabed. Its depth range extends from the upper bathyal zone to the abyssal zone, indicating a wide tolerance for various water pressures and temperatures.

Taxonomy

The species Lycodes reticulatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Perciformes, and Family: Zoarcidae. The Teleostei class includes the vast majority of bony fishes, characterized by their advanced skeletal structures. Perciformes, the largest order of fishes, includes a wide range of familiar species like perch, bass, and wrasses. Zoarcidae, the eelpout family, is known for its elongated, snake-like body form and is predominantly found in cold, deep waters.

Feeding

The Arctic Eelpout, Lycodes reticulatus, is a carnivorous fish with a diverse diet. It primarily feeds on a variety of crustaceans, including amphipods, isopods, krill, and shrimp. Additionally, it consumes small fish, fish larvae, and invertebrates, such as sea squirts. This varied diet reflects its adaptability to the different environments it inhabits and the abundance of food sources available within those depths.