How to Identify European Eelpout

To identify European Eelpout (Zoarces viviparus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled brown, olive-green, or reddish-brown on the dorsal side, fading to a lighter, often yellowish or whitish belly. Irregular dark spots or bands may be present along the flanks and dorsal fin. Coloration often matches the substrate for camouflage.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, somewhat compressed body, Large head with prominent lips, Small, embedded scales (often described as scaleless due to their minute size and embedded nature), Long dorsal and anal fins confluent with the caudal fin, Pectoral fins are relatively large and fan-shaped, Pelvic fins are small and jugular (located anterior to the pectoral fins)

Dorsal fin

Very long, extending from behind the head almost to the caudal fin, with 70-85 soft rays. It is continuous with the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Rounded, confluent with the dorsal and anal fins, forming a continuous fringe.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-shaped, with 18-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is also very long, with 55-70 soft rays, and confluent with the caudal fin. Pelvic fins are small, jugular, and consist of 2-3 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for the distinctly elongated, eel-like body, which is somewhat compressed laterally.

2. 2

   Fin Confluence

   Observe the continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, forming a single fringe around the posterior part of the body.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fin Position

   Note the small, jugular pelvic fins located anterior to the pectoral fins, a characteristic of the family Zoarcidae.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Identify the mottled brown, olive, or reddish-brown coloration, often with irregular darker markings, providing camouflage against rocky or algal backgrounds.

5. 5

   Scales

   Feel the skin; it will appear smooth or slimy due to the minute, embedded scales, giving the impression of being scaleless.

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