Eptatretus deani

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Eptatretus deani

Eptatretus deani, commonly known as Dean's hagfish, is a species of hagfish in the family Myxinidae. It is found in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the waters off the coast of California and Mexico.

Description

Eptatretus deani is characterized by its elongated, eel-like body, which can grow up to 50 cm in length. Like other hagfish, it lacks jaws and true vertebrae, possessing instead a cartilaginous skull and a notochord. The skin of Eptatretus deani is smooth and scaleless, with numerous slime glands that produce copious amounts of mucus when the animal is threatened.

Habitat

This species inhabits the benthic zone of the ocean, typically found at depths ranging from 100 to 500 meters. It prefers muddy or sandy substrates where it can burrow and find food.

Diet

Eptatretus deani is a scavenger, feeding primarily on dead or dying fish and marine invertebrates. It uses its rasping tongue to bore into the flesh of its prey, consuming it from the inside out.

Reproduction

Little is known about the reproductive habits of Eptatretus deani. Like other hagfish, it is believed to have a low reproductive rate, with females laying a small number of large, yolk-rich eggs.

Significance

Hagfish, including Eptatretus deani, play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as scavengers, helping to recycle nutrients by consuming dead and decaying matter. They are also of interest to scientists studying the evolution of vertebrates, as they represent one of the most primitive groups of living chordates.

Related Pages

• Hagfish
• Myxinidae
• Chordata
• Pacific Ocean