Eptatretus stoutii is a species of hagfish found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. It is a slender, eel-like fish with a distinctive slime-producing defense mechanism. This hagfish is known to inhabit a wide range of depths, making it a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists.
Description & Characteristics
Eptatretus stoutii can reach a maximum size of 63.5 cm. Its body is elongated and cylindrical, lacking scales and fins. It possesses a single nostril, two barbels, and a mouth with rows of sharp teeth. This species is distinguished by its characteristic slime production, which serves as a defense mechanism against predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
Eptatretus stoutii can be found at depths ranging from 16.0 to 966.0 meters, making it a bathydemersal species. This hagfish is primarily associated with the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. These zones correspond to the upper layers of the ocean, where sunlight penetrates, and the deeper, darker regions. Eptatretus stoutii is a common sight in these marine ecosystems, playing an important role in the food chain.
Taxonomy
Eptatretus stoutii is classified within the Class: Myxini, which encompasses all hagfish species. This class belongs to the Order: Myxiniformes, a group of jawless fishes that are characterized by their unique anatomy and physiology. Eptatretus stoutii is further classified under the Family: Myxinidae, a family that includes all hagfish species. This classification reflects the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics within this group of primitive fishes.
Feeding
Eptatretus stoutii is a scavenger, primarily feeding on dead or dying fish, invertebrates, and marine debris. It is known to burrow into the flesh of its prey, using its sharp teeth to consume tissue. Its scavenging habits make it a crucial component of the ocean’s ecosystem, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling.
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