The longhead eel pout, although little known to sport fishermen in Quebec, is an interesting fish to observe for ichthyologists and aquatic wildlife enthusiasts. This fish primarily lives in the cold, deep waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic coast. Its popularity as a target for sport fishing is limited due to its low fighting ability and its difficult-to-access habitat. However, it plays an important role in the marine ecosystem as a predator of small invertebrates and fish.

The longhead eel pout has an elongated, serpentine body, typical of members of the Zoarcidae family. Its color ranges from gray-brown to yellow-brown, with a paler belly. The patterns on its body are generally indistinct, but some specimens may exhibit subtle marbling. Its head is relatively long and tapered, with a wide mouth equipped with small but sharp teeth. Its dorsal and anal fins extend almost the entire length of its body, meeting near the elongated, tapered tail. The scales of the longhead eel pout are small and barely visible, giving its skin a smooth appearance. Males and females are similar in appearance, although males may be slightly larger during the spawning season.

In Quebec, the longhead eel pout is primarily found in the deep waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and along the Atlantic coast. It favors marine areas where the water temperature is cold and stable. Although it is present in these regions, it is not particularly abundant and its capture is rare. This species is absent from freshwater and estuarine waters in Quebec, preferring saline and brackish marine environments.

The longhead eel pout inhabits rocky and muddy seabeds, often at depths exceeding 100 meters. It prefers cold waters, typical of northern latitudes and deep marine areas. Fishermen wishing to observe it should target rocky areas or muddy bottoms, where it can hide among crevices and debris. The stability of water temperature and salinity is crucial for its habitat, which limits its presence to marine waters rather than brackish waters that fluctuate in temperature.

The life cycle of the longhead eel pout begins with the laying of eggs on the seabed. The eggs are deposited in cavities or under rocks, where they are protected from predators. After hatching, young eel pouts live near the bottom, feeding on small invertebrates. Growth is relatively slow, and they reach sexual maturity at around three years. Their longevity is estimated to be between four and six years, although environmental conditions can influence this duration.

Spring: Spawning → Summer: Growth of young → Fall: Increased feeding activity → Winter: Slowed metabolism

The longhead eel pout is a solitary fish, spending most of its time hidden in the crevices of the seabed. It is not territorial and often shares its habitat with other fish and invertebrate species. In terms of feeding behavior, it is primarily active at night when light conditions are low. It is not very sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, but sudden temperature changes can affect its behavior. Wind and extreme weather conditions have a limited impact on its deep habitat.

The diet of the longhead eel pout varies with age. Young individuals primarily feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton, while adults consume a broader variety of prey, including small fish, mollusks, and marine worms. In spring and summer, when food is abundant, their feeding activity is more intense. In autumn, they increase their consumption to build reserves in anticipation of winter, during which their metabolism slows considerably.

The longhead eel pout is active year-round, but seasonal variations influence its feeding behavior. In spring, spawning prompts adults to move closer to rocky areas to lay eggs. In summer, rising water temperatures stimulate their feeding activity. Fall is a preparation period for winter, with intensified feeding. In winter, although their metabolism is slowed, they continue to feed sporadically. The best times to observe them are at night when their activity peaks, regardless of weather conditions.

For the longhead eel pout, prefer lures that mimic small fish or crustaceans, with natural colors like brown, gray, or green. In deep, dark waters, phosphorescent lures may be effective in attracting the fish's attention. The lures should be moved slowly to simulate the natural movement of prey in their habitat.

To fish for the longhead eel pout, a sturdy fishing rod 2.4 to 3 meters long, with a moderate action and a power of 10 to 30 lb, is recommended. A spinning reel with good line capacity is essential for reaching great depths. Use a braided line of 20 to 30 lb for its strength and sensitivity. Medium-sized hooks, with abrasion-resistant fluorocarbon leaders, are ideal to avoid cuts on rocks.

When handling the longhead eel pout, take care not to damage its delicate skin. Use wet gloves to reduce stress and minimize time out of the water. For a successful release, ensure the fish is well-oxygenated before releasing it. When taking photos, avoid squeezing the fish and support it well.

Natural predators of the longhead eel pout include larger fish such as halibut and certain sharks. Seabirds, although they do not directly hunt the eel pout in depth, may capture young individuals in shallower waters.

The longhead eel pout is not currently considered a threatened species in Quebec. However, its capture is regulated to avoid accidental overfishing. Fishermen are encouraged to practice catch and release to preserve local populations and maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.