(Viviparous) Eelpout Zoarces viviparus

The Viviparous Eelpout, known as just the Eelpout in most of Europe, is an eel-shaped, ovoviviparous fish.

It is native to the tidal seabed and brakish zones of the northeastern Atlantic up to the Arctic Circle. Well-camouflaged in its habitat, it is sensotive to pollution.

It can grow to some 50cm long, but is usually no more than 30cm. The larvae hatch inside the mother where they develop as fry; once born, they are left to fend for themselves.

Above is a rare orange eelpout (with a dragonet, above left), a mutation with too much yellow pigment causing the unusual orange shade.