Eptatretus bischoffii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eptatretus bischoffii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eptatretus
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| Species: |
bischoffii
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| Synonyms | |
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Eptatretus bischoffii is a common hagfish of the genus Eptatretus. Its maximum length is 55 centimetres (22 in). It lives in a demersal, non-migratory, marine habitat with its depth range between 8–50 m. It can survive in only temperate zones. These organisms are found in the South Pacific, mainly, Chile. It is harmless to humans.
The mode of reproduction in this kind of organism is external.
The eggs develop in the demersal areas. The shape of the eggs are elongated. The egg contains a single micropylar opening located at the animal pole. It is situated at the bottom of a micropylar cup which lies between the anchor filaments. The single filaments are 3.2–4.9 millimetres (0.13–0.19 in) long and have an anchor-shaped apical end. The number of filaments varies around 50 but is always smaller on the vegetative end. On both ends of laid eggs, the filaments are enveloped by a gel-like matrix intertwined with large cytoskeletal biopolymers (keratin-like intermediate filaments) of possible holocrine origin.
