Hagfish Facts

This weird-looking fish has been the subject of interest for marine life biologists and scientists for many years, though still not much is known about hagfish. Hagfish is basically marine craniates of the Agnatha class and they are also known as Hyperotreti. This weird and wonderful species of fish was first discovered by Per Kalm, a disciple of Carl von Linné. It is said that in 1747, Kalm left Sweden for his final destination; North America. However, due to some boat repair work he stopped in Grimstad, Norway, where he spotted the hagfish for the first time in 1753. Hagfish is also mentioned in his book "A Journey to North America". At first, this fish was mistaken as a 'sleeping worm'. It was in the late 18th century that it got its real name and was placed in the round-mouth family of fish. Its biological name is Myxine glutinosa. Another interesting hagfish fact is that there are more than 70 different species of hagfish known to man. This number can very well increase as we continue to do more and more research on oceans and marine life.

Hagfish Information

Popularly known as slime eels, hagfish is actually a species of fish and not of eels. They have poorly developed eyes, no stomach and a poor vision. However, they have two brains, five hearts and an amazing sense of smell and touch. It is believed that the first types of hagfish were originated around 500 million years ago and they have not changed much since then which has made them a subject of interest all around the world. The skeleton of the hagfish is made of cartilage instead of bones. Almost 50 years ago scientists believed that hagfish anatomy is because of their parasitic lifestyle. However, it was discovered later that hagfish are scavengers and predators who feed on dead and decaying matter and small worms. One of the most astounding hagfish facts is that they are one of the first animals which were evolved from the skull and who don't have a vertebrate. Another amazing hagfish fact is that, they are one of the most slowly developing species since their ancestors were present on the face of the earth since 550 million years. This doesn't mean that nothing has changed in them. Many things have but it is still very difficult to point out what. The main reason there is less information available on hagfish is because scientists have only been able to find one fossil of hagfish. This fossil belongs to an extinct species of hagfish which had disappeared some 200 million years ago.

Facts About Hagfish

Now that you know so much about hagfish, let me also tell you that the Pacific hagfish is one of the most common types of hagfish found in the oceans.

• The length of the hagfish can range from 7 centimeters to 127 centimeters.
• Although hagfish look a lot like eels, they bear no resemblance and are also not related.
• Hagfish are the only living species that don't have a vertebrate but have a skull.
• Hagfish are excellent night hunters. They are famous for burrowing themselves inside the bodies of dead and injured animals and destroying them completely from inside.
• They prefer to live in deep and cold waters. Some species of hagfish have also been found at remarkable depths of about 1700 meters in the ocean. Water salinity is very essential for their survival.
• The fish globally famous for its power to give out slimy mucus when it senses danger. This is the reason many predators avoid hunting hagfish as its slime can fill up their gills which makes breathing difficult.
• Scientists and marine biology researchers have a special interest in hagfish as it is considered as a source of insulin. Insulin in hagfish is produced in the islet organ which is located near the tail. By studying more about insulin in hagfish that hasn't changed since 500 million years, doctors can have an in-depth understanding about human insulin.
• Hagfish also helps clean up the ocean life by feeding on pollutants and dead animals which cause water pollution.

So these were some popular hagfish facts. Hope you've enjoyed reading this article. One more interesting hagfish fact is that its skin is used for making wallets, belts and bags, and these accessories are always marketed under the name 'eel skin'. Think you've got some more fun facts about hagfish, leave them down below here.