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Hagfish, Myxine glutinosa

Introduction: Definitely one form the nightmare filmmakers department, this awful fish has been reported in Irish waters regularly, albeit mostly at depth, and appears in the sean nos stories told on the Aran Islands to this day. Potentially over two feet long (80 cms), this is a fish but with no mouth but rather a horny rimmed "aperture" that it uses to bore into dead fish (including large baits).  Mainly caught at depth over mud, and reputedly nocturnal, this is one for the photo album, and let the slimy bugger back!

Boat tactics: These are curiosities only, occassionally hauled up still attached to large dead baits.  Ugh! 

Shore tactics: No likely and no harm in that!