Eptatretus octatrema
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eptatretus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Eptatretus octatrema faces severe population decline primarily due to intensive commercial fishing pressure targeting hagfish for their valuable skin, which is processed into leather products. Deep-sea trawling activities in its limited range have caused significant habitat degradation and direct mortality. The species' extremely slow reproductive rate, with females producing only small numbers of large eggs, makes population recovery exceptionally difficult once numbers decline.
Habitat
This hagfish species inhabits deep marine waters along continental slopes and abyssal plains, typically found at depths between 200-1000 meters in soft sediment environments. It burrows into muddy substrates on the seafloor and is endemic to specific deep-water regions of the North Atlantic.
Conservation measures underway
Other threatened species in MYXINIDAE
Threatened in South Africa
Frequently asked questions
Why is Eptatretus octatrema classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does Eptatretus octatrema live?
What are the main threats to Eptatretus octatrema?
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