Spotted ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) is a saltwater species recorded in the United States. It is found at depths of 0–913 m.
Scientific name: Hydrolagus colliei · Water: Saltwater
Size: up to 100 cm
The spotted ratfish is a chimaerid found near the bottom from close inshore to about 913 m, and it is abundant in cold water at moderate depths. Its range is the north-eastern Pacific, from south-western Alaska to Baja California, including the Gulf of California, and to Costa Rica. It feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and fishes as well as echinoderms and worms. The spine can be dangerous and cause a painful wound, and fishers are reputed to fear the jaws of the ratfish more than the dorsal spine. Its flesh is edible but bland and leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, and the liver was once used as a source of machine oil. Maximum length is about 100 cm total length. It is of no interest to fisheries, is a gamefish and is kept in public aquariums. Fishing vulnerability is moderate to high at 50 of 100 and resilience low, and climate vulnerability is moderate to high at 47 of 100. IUCN lists it as least concern.
Back to home · United States · Species library