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