Hagfish

This hagfish was observed at a depth of 970 meters (3,182 feet) during the ninth dive of the 2023 Shakedown EXPRESS West Coast Exploration expedition. The holes running along the side of the hagfish are where it produces mucus as a protection against predators. Hagfish have been known to produce as much as six gallons of mucus! Learn more about the expedition: Video courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, 2023 Shakedown EXPRESS West Coast Exploration.