Hagfish
NameHagfish
Scientific NameEptatretus cirrhatus
Common NamesBroadgilled Hagfish, Hagfish, New Zealand Hagfish
FamilyMyxinidae
OriginSouthwest Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, Australia
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelexpert
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)500
Max Size (Inches)39
Water TypeSaltwater
Temperature Range (°F)35-50
pH Range7.8-8.4
Description
Hagfish are ancient, jawless fish known for their eel-like bodies and ability to produce copious amounts of protective slime. They are deep-sea scavengers and predators, feeding on dead or dying marine animals and invertebrates. Their unique physiology makes them extremely challenging to keep in captivity outside of specialized research or public aquarium settings.
