Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Hydrolagus
- Species
- colliei
Habitat
Spotted ratfish primarily inhabit the continental shelves and slopes of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to Baja California. They prefer depths of 10 to 900 meters, often on sandy or muddy substrates, and are commonly found in cold, temperate waters near rocky reefs or soft bottoms.
Diet
Spotted ratfish are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, worms, and mollusks, as well as occasional small fish. They forage along the seafloor at night using their sensitive barbels to detect prey buried in sediment. Feeding behavior is opportunistic, with activity peaking in low-light conditions.
Behavior
Spotted ratfish are primarily nocturnal, hiding in crevices or burying themselves in sediment during the day to avoid predators. They are solitary and not territorial, often moving slowly along the bottom in search of food. When threatened, they may use their venomous spine for defense, making them cautious around divers.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.