Myxine circifrons, the whiteface hagfish, is a marine bathydemersal species of fish in the family Myxinidae. It is found off Southern California, Peru, and Chile and grows to 65 centimetres (26 in) total length.[2]

Myxine circifrons
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Myxini
Order: Myxiniformes
Family: Myxinidae
Genus: Myxine
Species:
M. circifrons
Binomial name
Myxine circifrons
Garman, 1899

Distribution and habitat

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It is found off Southern California, Peru, and Chile in marine bathydemersal habitats approximately 700 metres (2,300 ft) to 1,860 metres (6,100 ft) deep.[2]

Anatomy and appearance

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It grows to 65 centimetres (26 in) total length and is similar in appearance to other hagfish.[2] Gonads are situated in the peritoneal cavity.[2]

Reproduction

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The whiteface hagfish becomes male when the posterior part of the gonads develop and female if the anterior part develops.[2] If both develop, the fish becomes hemaphroditic, and if none develops, the fish becomes sterile.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Mincarone, M.M. (2011). "Myxine circifrons". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011: e.T196052A8998570. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T196052A8998570.en. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Fernholm, Bo (1998). "Hagfish systematics". In Jørgensen, Jørgen Mørup; Lomholt, Jens Peter; Weber, Roy E.; Malte, Hans (eds.). The Biology of Hagfishes. Chapman & Hall, London. pp. 33–44. doi:10.1007/978-94-011-5834-3_3.