Broadgilled Hagfish
NameBroadgilled Hagfish
Scientific NameEptatretus cirrhatus
Common NamesBroadgilled Hagfish, New Zealand Hagfish
FamilyMyxinidae
OriginSouthwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, Southern Australia
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)500
Max Size (Inches)39
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)40-55
pH Range7.8-8.4
Description
The Broadgilled Hagfish (Eptatretus cirrhatus) is a primitive, eel-like marine fish found in the deep waters of the Southwestern Pacific. Known for its remarkable ability to produce large quantities of protective slime, it is a specialized scavenger feeding on dead or dying organisms. Due to its specific needs for cold, deep water and the impact of its slime, it is an expert-level species rarely kept outside of dedicated research aquariums.
