Fourteen-gill hagfish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fourteen-gill hagfish
Conservation status
Data Deficient (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Eptatretus
Species:	polytrema
Synonyms
Bdellostoma polytremum Girard, 1855 Dodecatrema polytremum (Girard 1855) Polytrema polytremum (Girard 1855)  ?Gastrobranche dombey Lacépède 1798 Gasterobranchus dombeyi (sic) Lacépède 1798 ex Shaw 1804 Gastrobranchus dombeyi Lacépède 1798 ex Shaw 1804 Diporobranchia dombey (Lacépède 1798) Eptatretus dombey (Lacépède 1798) Duméril 1819 Heptatrema dombey (Lacépède 1798) Heptatretus dombey (Lacépède 1798)

The fourteen-gill hagfish (scientific name: Eptatretus polytrema) is a special type of fish. It is also known as the Chilean hagfish. This creature lives near the bottom of the ocean. It does not travel long distances.

About the Fourteen-gill Hagfish

Hagfish are ancient, eel-like fish. They are known for their unique slime defense. The fourteen-gill hagfish gets its name from having many gill openings. It is a fascinating part of ocean life.

Where it Lives

This hagfish lives in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. You can find it near the coast of Chile. It prefers muddy and rocky areas on the ocean floor. It lives at depths between 10 and 350 meters. This is like living from the shallow end of a pool to very deep parts of the ocean.

What it Looks Like

The fourteen-gill hagfish can grow quite long. It can reach a length of about 93 centimeters. This is almost a meter long! It has a long, slender body, similar to an eel. Its skin is smooth and scaleless.

Rarity and Discovery

Scientists do not know much about this hagfish. Only a few specimens have ever been found. The last time it was officially recorded was in 1988. This makes it a very rare and mysterious creature. More research is needed to learn about its life.

See also

In Spanish: Eptatretus polytrema para niños