Doubleline eelpout – Lycodes eudipleurostictus

Lycodes eudipleurostictus is a species of eelpout fish belonging to the family Zoarcidae. This species is commonly found in the North Pacific Ocean, inhabiting a wide depth range from the shallows to the abyssal zone.

Description & Characteristics

Lycodes eudipleurostictus can grow to a maximum size of 44.5 cm. This fish is characterized by its elongated body, which is typically slender and compressed laterally. It has a relatively large head and a pointed snout. The coloration of Lycodes eudipleurostictus can vary depending on its location and habitat, but it is typically a mottled brown or gray with darker spots or blotches.

Habitat and Occurrence

Lycodes eudipleurostictus is found in a wide range of depths, from 25.0 meters to 1187.0 meters. This depth range suggests that Lycodes eudipleurostictus is a highly adaptable species, capable of inhabiting both shallow coastal waters and the deep ocean. It is found in the North Pacific Ocean, specifically in the Bering Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Aleutian Islands. This species is typically found in the benthic zone, inhabiting a variety of substrates, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and mud. As it occupies a significant depth range, it experiences a range of marine zones, including the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones.

Taxonomy

Lycodes eudipleurostictus belongs to the family Zoarcidae, which are known as eelpouts. Eelpouts are characterized by their elongated, snake-like bodies and often lack pelvic fins. This species, like all eelpouts, is classified within the Order Perciformes, which is a large and diverse order of fish that includes a wide variety of species, including perches, basses, and sea robins. Lycodes eudipleurostictus, like all bony fish, belongs to the Class Teleostei, which is the largest and most diverse group of fish.

Feeding

Lycodes eudipleurostictus is a carnivore that feeds on a variety of benthic invertebrates, including crustaceans, polychaetes, and small fish. Its diet likely varies depending on its geographic location and the availability of prey in its habitat. The feeding habits of Lycodes eudipleurostictus are important in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, helping to control populations of its prey.