Hagfish

Hagfish is a marine species, Myxine glutinosa, in the family Myxinidae, eel-like in appearance and distributed worldwide in cold and temperate waters. It is utilised primarily for its skin, which is made into leather, since the texture of its flesh is considered unacceptable by many consumers; however, the fish is eaten widely in Korea, where it is grilled or prepared in spicy stews. When threatened it exudes copious slime, a defence that complicates handling. As a jawless scavenger feeding on carcasses, its flesh requires the same freshness and hygiene assessment as other seafood.