Latin name

Zoarces viviparus

Other name

Eelpout, viviparous blen, European eelpout.

Identification

The viviparous eelpout has a slender, tapering body, broad head, mouth, and convex lips. The skin is mucous.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin of this species is long with short spiny rays on the dorsal side. The anal fin has 80-95 soft rays. The dorsal and anal fins merge into the caudal fin.

Fish colouring

The bones of viviparous eelpout are green due to a harmless pigment. The skin is variable in color.

Distribution

Occurs in the marine waters of the Northeast Atlantic: the White Sea, Czech Bay, and the coast of Murmansk (Barents Sea) south to the English Channel (Somma River); the eastern coasts of Scotland, England, and the Irish Sea; the Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands, and shallow waters of the North and Baltic Seas. A closely related species, Zoarces elongatus, is found in the Far East, Okhotsk and Japan Seas of the Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

A marine demersal species that prefers temperate climates. Its depth range is from 0 to 40 m, usually from 2 to 20 m.

Size

Maximum body length 52 cm, usually body length does not exceed 30 cm. According to other reports, the body length can reach 61 cm. Maximum reported weight: 510.00 g. Maximum reported age: 10 years.

Behavior

Occupies rocky shores under rocks, among seaweed, and at low tide. May remain out of the water under rocks or seaweed. Breathes air when out of the water.

Food and feeding habits

This is a predatory species, the diet of the viviparous eelpout includes various small mollusks, crustaceans, eggs and larvae of other species.

Reproduction

This eelpout is characterized by live births. Mating takes place in August-September. The gestation period is 4-5 months. Females give birth to 10 to 405 young.

Fishing

It is of some commercial importance in the Baltic Sea. But in the White Sea it is almost never fished, and in many places it is not eaten at all. This is due to its live birth and possibly its unsightly appearance.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The white and dense meat of the viviparous eelpout is characterized by good flavor and considerable fat content.