The eelpouts are a family (Zoarcidae) of perciform ray-finned fish. As the name suggests, they are somewhat eel-like in appearance, with elongate bodies and the dorsal and anal fins continuous with the caudal fin. All of the approximately 220 species are marine, mostly bottom-dwelling, some at great depths.
The largest member of the family is the ocean pout Zoarces americanus, which may reach 1.1 meter.
Other names for family members include unernak, slipskin, and fish doctor.
The Zoarces viviparus, or eelpout, is a bottom-dweller that bears live young in shallow waters of the North Sea.
Scientists are currently studying the eelpout as an indicator of the North Sea's health because its population doesn't rise and fall with fishing seasons.
Knust says the eelpout's fate can be extrapolated to other organisms, pointing to dire consequences for many local types of fish if temperatures continue to rise.
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