Lycodes polaris (Sabine 1824)

One of the most widespread, abundant, and northerly distributed eelpouts

Tan body with 9-11 broad, brown or blackish brown bands extending onto dorsal and anal fins, bands not always well defined; some specimens rather pale overall; Chin crests well developed, rounded anteriorly; pectoral fin rays 15-17, rarely 18; scales usually absent; lateral line with mediolateral configuration

Feeds predominantly on gammarid amphipods and polychaete worms; bivalve siphons, cumaceans, caprellids, isopods, mysids, shrimp, brittle stars, and Arctic cod also eaten; Eaten by seals and seabirds

Arctic faunal region; Benthic, at depths of 5-300 m, typically < 150 m; Found on mud and sandy mud bottoms; Lives in upper layers of sediment, burying itself tail first

Spawns on bottom in fall to early winter, releasing about 100-200 eggs, 3-5 mm in diameter; Lives 5 years or more

Pelvic fins small (Ref. 4695). 9-11 light cross-bands separated by slightly broader dark bands; peritoneum light (Ref. 4695).

Vertebrae: 90 - 93

Found on muddy bottoms (Ref. 4695). Buries into the mud tail first (Ref. 4695). Benthic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on small benthic invertebrates (Ref. 4695).

Found on muddy bottoms (Ref. 4695). Buries into the mud tail first (Ref. 4695). Benthic (Ref. 58426). Feeds on small benthic invertebrates (Ref. 4695); mainly of amphipods (Ref. 5951).

Feeds on small benthic invertebrates

Nearly circumpolar along Arctic coasts of Asia and North America. As far south as 47.7°N in Canadian Atlantic. North Pacific: northern part of Bering Sea

Found on muddy bottoms.

benthic