Viviparous eelpout

Viviparous eelpout

Description of the Viviparous eelpout
The Viviparous eelpout is also known as the European Eelpout or Viviparous Blenny. It is called 'the mother of eels' as it gives birth to live larvae and is the only fish to suckle its offspring. It is commonly used as a soup ingredient in some Mediterranean countries. Although they usually live in water, the eelpout can breathe so have the ability to survive under rocks and amongst seaweed washed ashore. The viviparous eelpout has one of the longest pregnancies amongst fish at six months!

Profile of the Viviparous eelpout
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Viviparous eelpout species.

• Size: Up to 50cm

• Diet / Feeding: Fry and Fish Eggs

• Habitat: Marine waters at depths of up to 40m

• Range: Irish Sea, Baltic Sea, Northwest Atlantic

Scientific Classification of the Viviparous eelpout
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Zoarces viviparus

• Popular Name: Viviparous eelpout - European Eelpout - Viviparous Blenny

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Actinopterygii

• Order: Perciformes

• Family: Zoarcidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Viviparous eelpout?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Viviparous eelpout slimy?
Viviparous eelpout secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Viviparous eelpout to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Viviparous eelpout have gills?
Gills enable the Viviparous eelpout to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Viviparous eelpout have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Viviparous eelpout has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Viviparous eelpout has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Viviparous eelpout has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Viviparous eelpout has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Viviparous eelpout