(Heptatretus cirrhatus).
This grows to about 2 ft in length, is exclusively marine and in habits is even more revolting than the lamprey, to which it is closely allied. Parts of the Otago trawling grounds are termed “hospitals” by fishermen on account of the large numbers of wounded fish which have received attention from the voracious hag fish. When placed in a bucket of sea water, this fish frequently exudes so much slime that the water becomes almost jellified.
by Arthur William Baden Powell, Assistant Director, Auckland Institute and Museum.