The striped eelpout, or Lycenchelys kolthoffi, is a little-known marine fish among sport fishermen in Quebec. It primarily inhabits the cold waters of the North Atlantic and extends to the coastal waters of Quebec. Although this species is not sought after for its fighting qualities, it piques the interest of researchers due to its adaptation to cold marine environments. The striped eelpout is often found in deep and brackish areas, making its capture by recreational fishermen quite rare.

The striped eelpout has an elongated and serpentiform body, typical of species in the Zoarcidae family. Its color generally ranges from grayish to dark brown, with striped patterns that give it its common name. These patterns can be more or less pronounced depending on the individual and the environment. The mouth is relatively small and lacks visible teeth, adapted to its diet. Its fins are continuous, extending almost the entire length of its body, and its tail is rounded. The scales are tiny and often difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. Young individuals closely resemble adults but are generally lighter. There is no pronounced sexual dimorphism between males and females, even during the spawning period.

In Quebec, the striped eelpout is primarily found in the coastal waters of the estuary and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Its distribution extends from shallow areas to deeper depths, where the waters are colder. Although its abundance is not well documented, it is generally considered uncommon compared to other marine species. It is absent from the inland waters of Quebec, preferring marine and brackish habitats.

The striped eelpout prefers cold and brackish waters, often found at depths ranging from 50 to 200 meters. It frequents rocky and muddy seabeds where it can hide among crevices and algae. The ideal temperatures for this species range between 3 and 10 °C, making it well adapted to northern environments. To find it, it is advisable to search in areas with moderate currents, as it is not a strong swimmer.

The reproduction of the striped eelpout generally occurs in spring when temperatures begin to rise slightly. Females lay adhesive eggs that attach to rocky or algal substrates. After hatching, young larvae drift with the plankton before developing and moving to deeper habitats. Growth is relatively slow, and sexual maturity is reached at around 3 to 4 years of age. The longevity of this species is estimated to be between 5 and 10 years, although precise data is limited.

Spring → Spawning → Summer → Growth → Fall → Winter preparation → Winter → Slowed life

The striped eelpout is a rather solitary fish, spending most of its time hidden in the crevices of the seabed. It is not particularly territorial but avoids areas of strong current. Its reaction to noise and changes in light is moderate, and it tends to be more active during periods of low light. Weather conditions such as wind and atmospheric pressure do not significantly impact its behavior, although it may move to deeper areas during storms.

The diet of the striped eelpout varies with age. Young individuals primarily feed on zooplankton and small marine invertebrates. As they grow, their diet becomes more diverse, including small crustaceans, worms, and occasionally small fish. Adults have an opportunistic diet, capturing prey that passes near their hiding spots. Seasons have little influence on their diet, but their hunting activity may be more intense during warmer months when prey is more abundant.

Fishing for the striped eelpout is not particularly seasonal, but it is more accessible during the warmer months of spring and summer when the waters are slightly less cold. The best times to try to catch this fish are early in the morning or late in the evening during low light periods. Weather does not have a major impact on their behavior, but it is preferable to fish in calm weather, as rough conditions can make sea fishing difficult. Cloudy days may offer better chances of capture, as the eelpout is more active when light is diffused.

For fishing the striped eelpout, choose lures in natural colors, such as brown, green, or gray, that closely imitate small fish and crustaceans. In clear waters, dark colors work well, while in murky waters, lures with metallic reflections may attract more attention. Soft lures and jigs are particularly effective in deeper waters where light penetrates little.

For fishing the striped eelpout, a medium power rod with a moderate action is recommended, with a length of 6 to 7 feet. A medium-sized fixed spool reel filled with 10 to 15 lb line is ideal for this deep fishing. Use hooks size 2 to 4, small enough to fit the eelpout's mouth. A fluorocarbon leader can be used for its invisibility and abrasion resistance.

Handle the striped eelpout with care, as it is quite fragile. Use wet hands to avoid damaging its protective mucus. If you wish to release it back into the water, do so quickly to maximize its chances of survival. For a photo, support the fish well to avoid excessive pressure on its internal organs.

The main predators of the striped eelpout include larger fish such as halibut and cod. It can also be preyed upon by some seabirds, such as cormorants, when it ventures near the surface.

The striped eelpout is not currently considered a threatened species in Quebec. However, its limited distribution and poorly understood biology warrant some caution in its management. It is advisable to respect local fishing regulations and practice catch and release whenever possible to maintain healthy populations.