Warning

This information was published in 1966 in An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock. It has not been corrected and will not be updated.

Up-to-date information can be found elsewhere in Te Ara.

HAG FISH – BLIND EEL

(Heptatretus cirrhatus).

This grows to about 2 ft in length, is exclusively marine and in habits is even more revolting than the lamprey, to which it is closely allied. Parts of the Otago trawling grounds are termed “hospitals” by fishermen on account of the large numbers of wounded fish which have received attention from the voracious hag fish. When placed in a bucket of sea water, this fish frequently exudes so much slime that the water becomes almost jellified.

by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.

Co-creator

Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.